Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

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Just Once Graduation Day, the most anticipated day of a college career. Seniors make the most of it because it happens............ By Melissa Cline Dark clouds cluttered the sky, periodically spitting showers of rain. Each student looked up as he stepped out of the armory. The weatherman had predicted scattered showers and for once he had been right. Today would not just be one more walk across campus. No one dodged from building to building with an Exponent or backpack over his head, cursing a forgotten umbrella, Today was their day to strut, saunter, stroll, or skip, because it was their last walk across campus as an undergraduate. Family and friends that lined the sidewalks and filled the Hall of Music offered congratulations through a smile, handshake, hug, a tear. The realization that every friend met in a class, every book ever read, or every final taken (passed or failed) had somehow helped to lead to that final day overwhelmed many students. As they rounded the comer and headed towards the Engineering Mall, feelings of joy, sadness, elation, and hesitation flooded over them. Many details about the campus had already begun to change and few would ever see the end results of all the new Engineering Mall construction. As they entered Hovde Hall, many graduates smoothed their gowns, fixed their hair, and straightened their tassels. One student even affixed a sign reading Hi Mom on his cap in order to insure recognition. This type of insurance was not necessary though, because that day each of the 4,054 graduating students received recognition for his achievements and rewards for his accomplishments. The procession came to a halt as the first seniors entered Hovde Hall. For once, few students were bothered by the fact that they were waiting in line. After all, that line offered more than directions to the next line; it held the beginning of a future. The fanfare began as the graduating seniors began their descent down the aisles. ♦ During a break in the rain, students leave the armory marking the start of the procession and the beginning of graduation. (Julie Weltz photo) 26 ♦ Graduation

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Exhilarated after realizing he won the Grand Prix Race, Bob Pitzer of Cary Meredith Racing begins to relax with a grin. (Paul Siegfried photo) William Clikeman, number 7 of Cary Meredith Racing, leads the battle for the number one position with Eric Lethen of Alpha Sigma Phi, number 40, with Betty Huitema of the Society of Women Engineers, number 84, close behind. (Paul Siegfried photo Dave Reif holds up Acacia Racing's kart while driver Kurt Johnson anxiously waits for the race to start. (Paul Siegfried photo) Grand Prix ♦ 25

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As the trio plays, the processional members of the 1986 graduating class ascend the steps of Hovde Hall. Parents are also on hand, anxiously waiting the chance to take one last photo before the ceremony begins. (Julie Weltz photo) As the graduates near the steps of Hovde Hall, their last walk through campus comes to an end. (Julie Weltz photo) The graduation candidates are joined by members of the platform party and faculty as they move around the Loeb Memorial Fountain before entering Hovde Hall. (Julie Weltz photo) Graduation ♦ 27