While In-Person Classes Pause in the Fall, Graduations March On (Virtually)

Melissa W.
Schools and universities across the country are grappling with the idea of opening up the doors to students come fall, but early reports indicate some problematic obstacles, causing many to postpone in-person classes and remain remote.

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Top 10 Graduation Songs of 2020

Melissa W.1 comment
Despite it being the end of July, graduation season is still going strong and will be straight through the rest of 2020 due to COVID19 derailing spring plans (is 2020 over yet?!). Traditions are pretty much out the window for the Class of 2020, but that doesn’t mean certain aspects of the ceremony need to change, like the music!

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Dads & Grads

Melissa W.
The weekend of Father’s Day in June is traditionally a popular time for high school graduation ceremonies nationwide. It’s only fitting that the two be lumped together as a way to honor both the graduate and one of the role models who played a part in guiding him/her to the finish line.

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Why Do We Wear Square Hats on Graduation Day?

Melissa W.
It’s finally your shining moment: Graduation day! All of your years of hard work have led to this. You’ve dreamt about it for years -- the moment they call out your name and you walk across the stage to receive your diploma amid a crowd of cheers. You’ve picked an outfit for photos and start to get ready for commencement -- you look great! But, one thing stands out -- the square hat with a tassel hanging from it, and you wonder, “who came up with THIS idea?!”

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The History of Pomp and Circumstance

Melissa W.6 comments
We’ve all heard it, the song that’s synonymous with commencement ceremonies. You’re probably singing it in your head right now. "Pomp and Circumstance," better known as “the graduation song” has been heard at the start of graduation ceremonies for decades -- but how did it come to be? 

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The National Honor Society of Scabbard and Blade: Recognizing Military Members

Melissa W.
Founded in 1904 by five cadet officers at The University of Wisconsin, The National Society of Scabbard and Blade is an organization dedicated to the United States military officers through a variety of programs. Their mission is “...dedicated to developing aspiring and current military officers that emulate the Five Star qualities while fostering strong joint-service relationships.” Their organization’s vision is that their members will "redefine the standard of excellence for all military members."

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Gamma Theta Upsilon: The International Geographical Honor Society

Melissa W.
The road to the creation and accreditation of Gamma Theta Upsilon, The International Geographical Honor Society was not easy. It was originally formed as an honorary fraternity prior to WWI by a student at the University of Chicago. The initial attempt to have it recognized as a more permanent organization failed before being revived again in 1924 once the founder, Dr. Robert G. Buzzard, went to graduate school at Clark University. 

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