Pictures from the University of Michigan Commencement Ceremony

So it finally happened...I got to graduate from the University of Michigan! It's been a dream of mine ever since I was young to graduate from this school and I finally did it! It took a lot of hard work; while I'm glad it is over, I miss it a bit. I loved the relaxed pace and I will miss the quiet times reflecting on coursework or discussing events with my friends and classmates. However, I really look forward to the application of my learning to problems. There is certainly no shortage of problems out there to solve.

For those of you who don't know it, this graduation is from the Master of Science in Information from the School of Information. I was part of the class in 1997 that was the first to go through the new curriculum established by the school. I attended part time as I was working full time for a while and then I worked two part time jobs while going to school. Yes...I like to keep busy.

The day of the graduation was very snowy and cold, but we managed to make it to the SI brunch right on time. It was pretty decent food in a relaxed atmosphere where I got to see and chat with my fellow graduates. I also got to talk with some of the other faculty and staff from SI about life after graduation. After this event, we departed for Crisler Arena. I wanted to make sure I got there with time to spare, given the weather and I arrived right on time.

Several photos were taken during the ceremony and I was lucky enough to have a friend of mine record it for me (it was broadcast on the U of M public access channel). Below are a few of the photos that came out halfway-decent.

The seating arrangement had me in the last row of graduates and I sat with only one other graduate from my school. Apparently, everyone else couldn't be bothered to attend the ceremony. Given the weather, I guess I really can't blame them.

After the Ph.D.'s got their diplomas, the masters degree recipients got called up on stage to shake hands with the Provost of the University and the dean of the particular school. That's me on the big screen shaking the Provost's hand. I am very glad I got to go up there. After 3 years of work, I got my time on the big screen.

	Thanks to my family for all of their support! I'm glad you could all make it to the graduation!
	A special thanks needs to go out to Yener. I really don't know how I could have made it through the program with out his support. He's helped me in ways I can only begin to describe and I owe a portion of my success to him. Thanks for helping me through this, Yener. Thanks for keeping me sane and being there when I needed support.

After graduation, my brother and father dropped off a graduation gift for me. It was a beautiful frame for my diploma. It looks spectacular and I'll be hanging it on my wall with pride very soon!

Thanks again to my family, all of my friends, my classmates, my employers, and my professors for their patience, efforts, honesty, interest, and support during my studies and beyond.