Laments of the weather and words of advice from the new University president marked the commencement ceremony held in Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
As temperatures dropped into the 40s, several thousand graduating seniors and attendees milled around uncomfortably through cascading rain. Some graduates left the ceremony early, while others took the messy weather in stride. One unidentified woman said she felt like her "feet are going to fall right off."
President Lee Bollinger's keynote address was peppered with self-deprecating humor, quotes from great literary figures and words of wisdom for the new University graduates.
"Remember your university. This is a very, very special institution," Bollinger said. "The University has a distinctive personality ... that is quite magical." He reminded graduates of "the long days of October" when the leaves change and the school year is new. Bollinger said that this may be when the University is at its best and "it all comes together in a kind of perfection."
While Bollinger heralded the University's qualities, he also spoke to the graduates about choices that lie ahead. He told them to maintain their convictions, and warned them not to take jobs that will fill their bank accounts while draining their morale.
"Look closely at what the job expects you to give up. It may be your soul," Bollinger said.
The president's speech was politely received by the audience, drawing laughter for its humor and self deprecation. Bollinger began his speech by recognizing the lack of enthusiasm some audience members may have felt about his selection as keynote speaker.
"I feel as if I should begin with something of an apology for being your commencement speaker today," Bollinger joked. "I am not Bill Clinton."
Bollinger gave an erudite nod to the weather, quoting Dante and T.S. Eliot to illustrate the meteorological misery.
"April truly is the cruelest month, and May is not far behind," Bollinger said. He went on to compare winter in Michigan to the hell in Dante's "Inferno".
LSA graduate Narjeet "Sunny" Khurmi said the weather was unpleasant, yet an ironically appropriate finalé to his career at the University.
"Either we go out with awesome weather or absolutely shitty weather - nothing in between," Khurmi said. "I'll always remember Michigan by the weather."
Khurmi said he was excited to be done with school, and was touched more by a sense of "euphoria" than nostalgia.
"Four years here, I couldn't have asked for anything else," Khurmi said. "It's probably the best school to go to in the country."
Graduate Sara Gallagher described the commencement ceremony as "cold and long." Gallagher added that she thought Bollinger's speech was good.
Graduate Peggy Bayer said she wished the University could have drawn a speaker with a higher profile.
"It was a disappointment that he was our speaker," Bayer said.
Engineering graduate Kim Roberts said she was happy about graduating, despite the elements.
"I'm very excited," Roberts said. "I don't care about the rain."
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
Despite heavy downpour and strong winds, University President Lee Bollinger gave a heartening and humorous speech to graduating students in Michigan Stadium.
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
Graduates Laeki Harris, Kasey Johnson and Lorri Pearson brave the poor weather and cool temperatures to claim their diplomas Saturday at Michigan Stadium. University President Lee Bollinger was the keynote speaker.