Riki and Keri. No-one knows better than they the sacrifice of work and time they've spent to see this day.
Very proud parents...not one, but two graduates...on the same day. Thanks Keri and Riki for this moment and also Erin, Lily and Kekena (Kena)-- Riki's beautiful girls.
During a short and memorable stay in Phoenix, Arizona recently, we discovered that making our way to two convocation ceremonies during peak hour traffic, was quite a feat. Riki's was early morning...Keri's, late a.m. Both were held at different locations. We were grateful we could attend both. Riki's was at the First Southern Baptist Church. Overflow parking was next door on GCU's campus. Keri's was at Bethany Bible Church. Parking was more than ample. Erin saved seats for us at Riki's convocation and we saved seats for them at Keri's. The convocations are quite the affair with pomp and pageantry. The hood colors of the faculty was fascinating. Some more spectacular than others. Each school has a color. For Riki, the school of business was brown. For Keri, the school of education was light blue. The two day affair, is an event to be remembered for the graduates: their parents, spouses, grandparents and family members who gathered from all over the country. Grand Canyon University (GCU) has the greatest online studentbody than any other campus in the USA with just as many students, attending on campus. On our row at Keri's convocation, were two other families. One from Pennsylvania and the other, from California. We of course are from Utah. After the covocations we went back to tour GCU's campus. We ate lunch provided by GCU for the graduates and their guests. We ate with students, from Florida and Missouri. The only downside to the convocations, was having to listen to a few repeat speakers from Riki's. What a proud moment for us (mom, dad and Erin) as I'm sure...it is for Keri and Riki. We found the GF (gluten free) store and Riki was excited to sink his teeth into their donuts. That evening, we ate a wonderful dinner at Stillman Park in Scottsdale, with the AZ cousins. It was so fun to see the Hiedi and Tamara with their family.
Saturday, May 2nd, the final ceremony was held in Chase Field--baseball stadium. As if the 1st day wasn't memorable enough, this day was spectacular! Fireworks, balloons, an amazing trumpeter, flag ceremony, the stadium roof opening at the end to allow the balloons to escape, Scottish bag pipers, food vendors and a sea of people--heightened the effect on those present. The sites, smells and sounds were incredible even GCU's choir. It was a long walk to the stage. I wondered what thoughts went through the minds of each graduate? Erin and her aunt, made leis for Keri and Riki to wear on the last day of ceremonies. Unfortunately my camera batteries were by then, dead. Maybe Erin will email me a copy of the happy graduates in their regalia and leis? Hint!
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