Chad's Graduation

 Chad graduated yesterday from University of Phoenix with a BS in Business Management.  (OK, he actually has course work to finish through the end of the Summer, but yesterday was the graduation ceremony.)  This was a great day! Obtaining a college degree is a huge accomplishment.  Add to that, having a family and a career to balance. I honestly don't know if anyone oher than Chad and I fully realize the effort exerted in this accomplishment. I am so immensely proud of Chad.  He has really persevered to make this happen. 

The ceremony was held at the Maverick Center (i.e. the E Center).  They were pretty good at being short and sweet. At the beginning they had students stand that were the first ones in their family to get a college degree.  Chad proudly stood.  Not one of his siblings, parents or grandparents has a college degree. Most have not ever taken a college class.  My dad calls him a "generation changer".  Then they had everyone who was a parent stand.  90% of the students stood.  I was blown away.  

They had one student speaker and one keynote speaker.  The keynote was the director of the school.  He talked about the "discontentment" you gain towards things around you as you become more educated.  He expounded on how this discontentment will be a motivating factore as you go forward and do great things in your life.  An interesting concept.  Definitely something to think about.  . 

At this point my kids were going crazy, so we were grateful to move onto awards and reccomendation and presentation of the graduates. 

Announcing Chad as a graduate.  Just after this he did a victory sign with both arms in the air. 

I finished my degree before we had kids, so they were not around for it.  I am so pleased that they have been able to see Chad go to school, watch him study often and to see the process that gaining a higher education is.  They think that it is pretty cool that Papa goes to school too!

Our family with both sets of parents (Chad's on the left and mine on the right).

 The weather was gorgeous.  My kids were pretty good (with the help of some friends).  The overwhelming feeling was jubilation.  Congratulations Chad,  I am so proud!

p.s. After the summer is over and Chad's classes are all finished and he actually done, we are throwing a big backyard BBQ.  You are all invited!