U Magazine, Summer 1989

A RITE OF PASSAGE

By John Sutherland

Tbey marched, paraded and sauntered across the wooden stage. Some giggled, others squealed. Some waved their anns; one even threw confetti. Tbe scene was conimence– ment '89, a joy-filled event at which an estimated 1,425 students received diplomas during three separate com– mencement ceremonies May 20-21 at Torero Stadium . T The Law School ushered in the festivities by granting 365 degrees during a May 20 morning cere– mony. The next morning 270 graduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education and Nursing received advanced degrees , a ceremony followed in the af– ternoon by undergraduate proceedings for 820 students. The new graduates boost the univer– sity's alumni ranks to almost 21,500 since the first graduating class left Alcala Park in 1953. •••

President Author E. Hughes praised the undergraduate class for its spirit and unity. "As a class over the past four

program the senior class established to help USD students in the future. Seniors pledged more than $15,000 before they graduated to establish the scholarship. "Why is this so significantr asked Dr. Hughes. "Whatever the university's future is, it will be highly dependent upon its ability to provide financial aid. Over 65 percent of our students currently receive aid; in the future that percentage will grow and the extent of individuals' need will similarly rise. The class of '89 has chosen to help these students. And be assured that they will remember you - the class of '89 - for what you've de– cided to do. "

years," he said, "you have dis– tinguished your– selves from both under and upper classes by your own cohe– siveness - your own sense of unity." He said a good example of that unity was the scholarship

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