Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Worth the wait Grads cap off a year of anticipation by Cara Moore ■■■: i ' ' : ' Sym m Graduating with my friends was important to me. I even returned early from student teaching in London so I could walk across the stage. -Julee Dubes Waiting was never easy, but it always paid off. When naive fresh- men moved into residence halls, they couldn ' t wait for their par- ents to leave so they could attend their first college party. As Christmas break rolled around, freshmen eagerly awaited going home to see high school friends. Throughout college, priorities changed. Students left the resi- dence halls for a taste of life off campus. At Christmas, they spent most of their time with college friends, staying home as little as possible. After four or five years of the college scene, students who were once anxious to start college were impatient to get out. Waiting for senior statements, passing that last general education require- ment and completing internships or student teaching were only a few obstacles between college life and the real world. Waiting for graduation was especially difficult when spring fever hit and students were traveUng for job interviews. Students faced decisions of getting married, moving out of state to work or decid- ing where to attend graduate school. The month before graduation was long and scary, Teresa Carlile said. ' ' But before I even had my diploma I was considering returning to school to pick up some extra classes just for fun. Perhaps the longest wait of the year was Graduation Day itself. Even though many had celebrated since their last finals, there was something about 12:01 a.m.. May 7, that triggered mixed feelings of anticipation and reluctance. While some quietly reminisced about college days or excitedly planned their futures, others be- gan an all-night countdown. I was still awake at 3:30 a.m. , feeling nervous and excited about graduation, Julee Dubes said. Graduating with my friends was important to me. I even returned early from student teaching in London so I could walk across the stage. At 9 a.m., 739 graduates began lining up at the Student Union. Black gowns concealed everything from boxer shorts and cowboy boots to suits and sneakers. Graduation candidates grumbled as they paired up to march into the gym, completing their last task in preparation for graduation. They filed into the crowded gym where they were greeted by key- note speaker and alumnus Dr Beryl Sprinkel, chairman of Presi- dent Reagan ' s Council of Economic Advisers. With diplomas tightly clutched in their hands, alumni had ac- complished their goal. The waiting was not over for all the gradu- ates, however, since many left Maryville for the outside world without jobs. But they had passed the test of patience during their senior year They knew that no matter how long it took to find employment, good things did come to those who waited. 8 Graduation

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V Gr66k Week provides fraternities and sororities the chance to display their com- petitive spirit. Tri Sigma Andrea Jack cheered Wendy Ward toward the finish line. Photo by Ron Alpough Flippers make skipping rope especial- ly difficult for Alpha Sigma Alpha Amy Schmidt. Before jumping rope, participants had to complete a tricycle race. Photo by Connie Carlson ' Delta Sigma Phi member Greg Slay- baugh proclaims his spirit while Dan Wells applauds the fraternity ' s effort in the chariot race. Sigma Phi Epsilon received the Out- standing Fraternity Award at the end of the week. Photo by Connie Carlson CanoerS Chris Bradneld and Dan Jackson of Phi Sigma Kappa watch their boat fill with water during the canoe race on Golden Pond. The competition was one of the new events added to the Greek Week schedule. Photo by Connie Carlson . • « Greek Week 7

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Alter waiting so long for the big day to arrive, some graduates won ' t let anything stop them from receiving their diplomas. Despite her injuries, Lynda Weichel attend- ed graduation ceremonies on May 7. Photo by Debby Kerr Graduates nie into Lamkln Gym to accept their diplomas during the two-hour ceremony. Jubilation was accompanied by apprehension as 739 seniors looked toward their futures. Photo by Debby Kerr Summa Cum Laude graduate Lisa Smeltzer awaits the traditional turning of the tassel. She returned for fall semester graduate courses. Photo by Chuck Holley With four years of college behind him, Pat Flynn finds a reason to celebrate. Flynn received a bachelor ' s degree in broadcasting. Photo by Debby Kerr Graduation 9