University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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UNITED address met with mixed emotions GRADUATION seniors thought that the last football game of the 1990 season would be the final time they would ever sit in Michigan Stadium. Especially since the University initiated a new policy in 1990 of individual graduations for each school rather than the traditionally uni- fied graduation in the stadium. This change and the subsequent announce- ment of President Bush ' s intentions to perform the Commencement address for the graduating class of 1 99 1 added to the flurry of excitement that is apparent around the beginning of May. Many different reactions from the student body followed the announce- ment of the graduation speaker. Some were excited simply to be graduating in the stadium in a unified ceremony. 1 99 1 LSA graduate Nikki Schwartz said, I ' m just excited that I ' ll be able to sit at graduation with all of my friends who are in different schools. ' The University ' s policy that called for sepa- rate graduation ceremonies caused much anger from the 1990 graduating stu- dents, making the 1991 graduates very happy about the change. The graduates ' happiness was mixed with a sense of apprehension. Many had plans to further their education. Others would be returning home to enjoy their well-deserved rest for a little longer than they had hoped because of the few job prospects. Traditionally, graduation in the sta- dium is more fun than serious. Beach balls are constantly being batted around, and champagne bottles are uncorked. This year was no different. As the dean of each school awarded the degrees to the students, cheers and shouts of I ' m done! could be heard. The crowd of approximately 70,000 gathered on a sunny May 4th not only to witness the University ' s 1 47thCommencement but to hear Presi- dent Bush ' s speech. Students, opposing his policies though the Persian Gulf War had ended, held up red cards. Bush acknowledged the shouts of protesters in his points about the importance of the freedom of speech. Bush, however, did not center his speech on his Persian Gulf policy. Bush stressed to the graduates that America would depend on them. He emphasized that their responsibility was to protect the basic freedoms of speech, spirit and creativity. We don ' t need another Great Society, with huge and ambitious programs administered by the incumbent few. We need a Good Soci- ety, built upon the deeds of the many-a society that promotes service, selfless- ness, action. -Jenni er Morrison acknowl- edged tKe ts of in Kis poinf s about mi ' importance o| llv d o ; sp. GRADUATION 1 1

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TKe entire playing surface of A icKigan Stadium was decorated and coveted with Michi- gan graduates while the stands were packed with family and friends. Over 3,000students partipated in the ceremony. -Tamara Psumy Committed to diversity,, tKe University attracts students from all backgrounds. Joan Smith interprets President Bush ' s commencement speech so everyone could hear . -Tamara Psumy tUt was very popular for graduates to write messages to their family and friends or to display their political views with masking tape on the tops of their caps. At the commencement ceremony, Nursing School graduates Anita Shedlock and Lisa Eby displayed their support for President Bush. -Tamara Psumy 10 MICHIGAN LIFE Rob Vandersloot, art Engineering graduate, showed his support of President Bush during Commencement by holding up a home made banner. Other graduates who opposed Bush held up red cards to show their feelings. -Tamara Psumy AAany of tke separate ceremonies which had been planned months in advance had to be cancelled or postponed in order to accomodate a joint ceremony. President Bush announces his plan for the Good Society in an attempt to show the audience that he had a sound domestic policy. -Tamara Psumy

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was tKe most spectacul a r f tK summer COMMOTION irvfe upted summer cal INMOTION Jn the summer, the normal bustle and noise of the school year gave way to a lazy calm. One afternoon in June, how- ever, the sound of marching bands, clowns, prancing ponies, and circus wagons awakened the streets from their slumber. The circus was back in town! For the past six years, the Kelly- Miller Circus has been holding perfor- mances for the Catherine McAuley Health System. The event, sponsored annually by the Kroger Company, helped raise money for the McAuley Center ' s new Cancer Care Research Center. Student Natalie Miles said, What ac- tually struck me was not the parade, but the fact that it was supported locally by so many businesses, like Kroger and Domino ' s. The circus stayed in town from June 2 1 to 23 , starting with a traditional tent- raising ceremony on Friday, on its grounds near the Ann Arbor Airport. At noon, came the parade. Hundreds of students and residents alike, lined the parade ' s route along South University, beginning in front of the President ' s House, and moving down State Street, to downtown Ann Arbor, and finally back up William Street. Three march- ing bands, strolling clowns, and other circus performers kept the crowd ' s spir- its high throughout the afternoon; how- ever, the highlights of the parade were 12 MICHIGAN LIFE several antique circus wagons from the International Circus Hall of Fame. Af- ter two boisterous hours, the marchers departed for the circus grounds. As Engineering graduate Mike Murray re- marked, It was the most spectacular sight of the summer! All ages turned out for the event, and everyone seemed equally enthusiastic about the festivities. Alice Plotner, owner of Campus Bike Toy and an Ann Arbor resident, attended with her two grandchildren, six-year old Chelsie and four-year ol d Travis. When asked about the parade, which passes in front of her store, she replied, I haven ' t missed a one. Chelsie Plotner enjoyed the ponies most of all and four-year old Michelle Gordanier said her favorite part [was] the girls in the pretty costumes. For students in town over the sum- mer term, the parade provided a differ- ent kind of enjoyment. All the moth- ers, fathers, and kids lined up watching the clowns brought me back to my child- hood days, said Engineering senior Tom Sponseller. The circus thrilled crowds on the two following nights with acrobats, el- ephants, and clowns, before leaving town. Soon after, summer tranquility returned, but the temporary commo- tion was enchanting. -Peter Kogan J -ookmcjcc lmana relaxed tnis a rummer from Detroit proudly marches with his band. Hav- ing arrived late, the Cody High School band members had to run onto the street in order to remain in the parade. -Tamara Psumy