Graduation season a pre-COVID throwback

Many know I am the biggest fan of graduations. It's a significant milestone for students and there's an awesome excitement in the springtime air. But during this COVID era, countless graduations were put on hold or they were abbreviated commencements. At Southern Connecticut State University, we didn't have a graduation and then we had shortened graduations because of the pandemic.

But last month, we went back to what we did prior to COVID. It was the first time we held indoor graduation ceremonies since 2019 and it is amazing how much you miss what you once had years ago.

SCSU holds undergraduate graduation at Webster Bank (now Total Mortgage) Arena in Bridgeport. We'll hear New Haven mayors jokingly remind everyone, “Welcome to Bridgeport!” But it's the largest venue on the shoreline to hold thousands of graduates, friends and family members. Plus, the sheer production that goes into putting together a graduation is not an easy feat with so many serving on the university's graduation committee. I have been a part of this committee for a couple of years and there are so many critical people partaking in essential roles.

Last year's graduation just wasn't the same, even though it was on campus and there were several commencements to handle socially distanced and outdoor stadium crowds. The sun was intense and moments were awkward. Masks were worn, hugs were banned and there was no ceremonial hooding for graduate students. Besides, there were various elements missing. There wasn't even a faculty processional, which is a critical role for professors at commencement.

But this year was a return to the past, but also to the aspects that make a graduation an actual commencement. Not only were the crowds boisterous, graduates were also noticeably passionate about their moment. Faculty returned to the processional and lined up to greet students as they walked to the stage. Live music was pronounced and there was an overall energy that one could not take for granted this time around.

For graduate students, our graduate commencements were on campus and back at Lyman Center. Not only were seats filled, we had so many wanting to be a part of the graduation on stage. Alumni were recognized, faculty were anxious to hood graduate advisees and so many stepped up to help out. It was a return to normal — with infectious zeal.

I helped organize much of the graduate commencements and it was admittedly nervewracking. There were lost speeches, awards and academic robes. Few noticed the mishaps, but various administrators and faculty put my nervousness (and others' nerves) at ease especially at the last minute. Many engaged as marshals, floor managers and organizing graduates and the platform party.

I was truly taken back by everyone's energy, but I was also impressed by the teamwork. Maybe we missed this togetherness aspect without regular commencements. We all worked towards a goal and did so enthusiastically and for the purpose of our students. It's a product of teamwork and determination. But it's all a reminder of what we had before the pandemic.

As a final reminder and reward for those on the commencement committee, we ventured to a favorite Milford haunt after graduation. It was just like what the committee did before the pandemic. We caught up, gossiped and enjoyed each other's company. Several critical administrators are retiring and we joyously acknowledged them. Towards the end our waitress said to me, “It's been a few years, hasn't it? We missed you guys.”

I missed us, too. And I hope we don't forget what we had and what we can continue to do for commencements in the near future.