My sis-in-law, my wife and I spent the weekend in C-ville. Our son arrived from The Capital and joined us Saturday afternoon, in time for Baccalaureate Mass for all UVA students graduating (like our daughter Tintin) the following day, Sunday morning at ten. That solemn Saturday Mass, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Luke and Rev. Fr. Scott, both OP or Oblates of Preachers or Dominican priests, was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Sunday morning at seven, we're all ready for Tintin's Final Exercises at The Lawn of UVA. Since Tintin continues to stay in her dorm after her Final exams (because she requested for extension and was approved), we've decided to just meet and see her at the Lawn. We checked out of our hotel early and parked our van at a designated parking within the University campus. We thought we'd be the very first to arrive at the site but we're surprised to witness that there were already parents, besides those Graduation Committee crew and staff, who were there. (Two years ago, when our son graduated there, we were the very first parents to arrive.) Anyway, we got a good spot as far as the viewing, and picture-taking, of graduates doing their processional parade. It was past 10:00 o'clock A.M when the Final Exercises ceremony started. There's the overall atmosphere of joy and celebration in The Lawn at the University.
Well, folks, here's quite interesting to note on this joyous occasion: Six thousand and four hundred eleven graduates were conferred their respective degrees by UVA president Teresa Sullivan! UVA alumna, Class of 1979 and former NBC Today show co-host and CBS news anchorwoman Katie Couric was the Final Exercises guest speaker. In her speech, she recalled her days at the University. Besides mentioning about the 3Rs (Reading, Writing, 'Rithmetic), she also discussed about the other 3Rs that the new graduates have to encounter in today's economy: Risk, Rejection, and Resilience. Likewise, she talked about her job encounters in her early years, her married life with two daughters with her late husband, her late sister who also succumbed to cancer, her advocacy about fighting cancer, and briefly her forthcoming TV show Katie in September. Overall, her speech was inspiring and well-received and applauded.
After our late lunch/early dinner at a restaurant , our son drove back to The Capital for his work Monday. On the other hand, we took all of Tintin's stuff at her dorm. At 7:00 0'clock p.m., we left C-ville for Hampton Roads. It was almost 11:00 o'clock p.m. when we arrived home. Tired and sleepy, I was especially. But so proud to see my daughter Tintin graduated from college. Thank you, Dear Lord. Thank you, Jesus!
This is all for now. Until next time around. Take care and Have a nice day, everyone!-chris a. quilpa, 21May2012
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