re: Older college grads... did you walk?

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I didn't walk at 21. Had better things to do.

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Same here. What’s the point? I was just ready do get out.

I plan on going back for masters at some point. When I do I will probably walk for the family. Undergrad graduation I did and didn’t enjoy, but I was too young and just ready to be done. You appreciate things more as you get older.

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I graduated in Fall '85. There was no walking. I am pretty sure there was no name reading, either.....at least for the bachelors' degrees. Candidates were asked to stand, and we were "graduated" right there on the floor.

I remember some jackass set off a bunch of firecrackers during the ceremony, but I can't remember if that was why there was no walking.

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I graduated from LSU May 1985. Back then all students graduated together and so they didn't call out the 2K+ names.

Now they have several graduation ceremonies. My younger cousin graduated a couple of years ago and his name was called.

Didn't walk and have barely thought about it in the decades since.

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On the other hand, it would be cool for my 17 year old to see me graduate.

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This is a valid reason to walk. I didn't walk, don't regret it. If you don't walk, you likely won't regret it. If you think your son will be motivated after seeing you walk, it's a small sacrifice of time. But the walking doesn't matter. I learned more from my parents (both what TO do and what NOT to do) by watching how they lived, and the decisions they made. I'd be 100% proud of my dad to walk, but the walking isn't what I'd be proud of him for.

On a side note, I hate attending graduations. The speakers all give some hoorah speech that just doesn't do anything for me. You go for 2 or 4 hours or however long it is, and you get 5 seconds of recognition by mostly strangers there that DGAF about you. And there is always some sort of reach around speech by the admins that by congratulating the graduates, they are patting themselves on the back at the same time. There is also a cost (albeit small) to walk. Cap, gown, and whatever else you have to buy. You spend thousands on schooling and here is one last overpriced overcoat that you'll never wear again and you have to pay for it cause it just isn't affordable with the tuition you paid in. Just not for me.

You earned it and from a legendary institution.
And, it’s a vision that will be burned in yours and your 17 yo’s brain.

Walk. You have to.

I have four degrees and missed walking for the last one.

I didn’t walk for undergrad or masters . Just not my thing but definitely something you should do if you want to at any age .

I didn’t walk when I graduated at 22. Went to watch the W give the commencement and left. Congrats on finishing.