James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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A Time To CeTebrate eraduation was a day filled with overwhelm- ing emotion as the Class of 1 997 turned their tassels. Some cried, some laughed and some just smiled as they completed their college careers. As they got their diplomas, these alumni made their full circle at JMU to begin the rest of their lives. The rain and wind didn ' t af- fect the spirits of the thousands gathered in Bridgeforth Stadium. Many students glued decorations or drew pictures on their gradu- ation caps for their families and friends to admire. The main ceremony included speeches from Dr. Carrier and Congressman Frank Wolf Both wished the Class of 1997 well in begin- ning their careers and offered insight from their past experi- ences. Congressman Wolf emphasized the importance of family above all other aspects in your life, said junior Brannen Edge. The first doctoral degree was presented at the ceremony. After the ceremony, everyone parted and went to the individual college ceremonies where they walked across the stage as their names were called. As the degrees were conferred, you could hear the ripple of excitement move through the Class of 1997, Edge said. The rest of the afternoon was spent cel- ebrating the day. It was a chance to visit with fami- lies, friends and other graduates and talk about plans for the future and college memories. The mixture of emotions was expressed on graduates ' faces. From the happiness and ex- citement of having obtained a degree to the sad- ness that came with the realization that the time had come to move on, graduates took this day in stride and recognized it as threshold to their fu- tures. 16 Student Life

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p, down, fast, slow . . . the roller coaster of college winds around the tracks of life: social, academic, traditional and innovative. Some hurl toward the edge leading the way, while others come to sudden stops, altering their lives to better find themselves. Our coaster ' s momentum is spirit, proving to alumni, parents and others that we will always be found at the top of the hill. At the top we prepare to speed into the next century with campus changes. Distance has been put between the present and the past, yet we build on estab- lished foundations each day. We are riding on the coaster of student life, up and down and all around in a full circle: we begin and we end here. Wendy Crocker Editor Tom Offer AssT. Editor Student Life 1 51

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Standing out in the crowd was this graduates plan. Seniors decorated their caps with anything from personal messages to Marvin the Martian. Donating a check for $68,011, representatives from the Senior Class Challenge of 1 997 present their check to Dr. Carrier. Each year, the Challenge strived to surpass the previous year ' s earnings. Enjoying a final moment before becoming alumni, these graduates await their walks to the podium. Graduation brought many smiles as well as tears. 1997 Graduation 17