Snow Doesn’t Stop Graduation

By Catherine Garcia

Photo gallery: University of Redlands School of Education commencement

REDLANDS – The rain outside didn’t dampen the spirits of graduates from the University of Redlands’ School of Education Thursday evening.

The ceremony, which was moved from the Greek Theatre due to the weather, was held inside the Memorial Chapel.

“I’m actually glad this happened,” said Virginia Anderson of Redlands, whose daughter, Erica Brown, was graduating. “It’s better than if it had been outside and hot.”

University of Redlands President Stuart Dorsey touched on the situation while welcoming the audience and graduates, noting that it was the first commencement held indoors in 60 years.

“We’re improvising tonight, but it’s okay because this is the School of Education,” he said. “Teachers know how to improvise.”

The ceremony’s student speaker, Ressie Kreimann-Roman, reminded her classmates of the life they were about to embark on.

“We are joining a special group of professionals,” she said. “Each and every one of you has made a commitment to enhance the education of children and adults as teachers and counselors.”

School of Education Professor Carol Franklin, a faculty member since 1976, said she was honored to be a part of the big day.

“Next year, some of you will be here at the University of Redlands getting your master’s or doctorate,” she told the graduates. “Some will take a year off to spend with family and friends. But all of you will have memories of the University of Redlands’ School of Education. This is a school that the community can be proud of.”

Franklin, who also said she is planning on writing a history of the School of Education, advocated for and developed the university’s first doctorate program, in Leadership for Educational Justice.

After the conferring of more than 300 degrees and credentials and a benediction from Chaplain John Walsh, the graduates and their families and friends spilled out into the Memorial Chapel lobby and the quad area outside, which was still damp from the rain. Several graduates were presented with bouquets of flowers and balloons, and there were hugs all around from proud friends and relatives.

Veronica Vellot of Claremont was on hand to cheer for her graduating niece, Monica Diaz.

“I am very proud of her for getting her teaching credential,” she said. “She’s got a heart of gold, and will be a great teacher.”

Pat Conine of Riverside came to watch as her former neighbor, John Swift of Yucaipa, received his master’s degree in counseling.

“I’ve known him since he was young, and I am very proud that he decided to pursue his master’s,” she said. “It’s just great. Next is his doctorate.”

Swift, who earned his bachelor’s degree seven years ago, said it “would have been nice to have had the sun shining,” but was still thrilled with his accomplishment.

“I’m glad it’s over,” he said. “I was almost beaten down, but I hung in there. It’s all worth it now.”

E-mail Staff Writer Catherine Garcia at cgarcia@redlandsdailyfacts.com

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