Camp Randall Stadium swelled with anticipation as watchful eyes turned to the intimidating cloud coverage Saturday morning and soon-to-be graduates compulsively checked the weather forecast.
For the second year, Spring Commencement took place in Camp Randall, sparking worry about predicted storms that delayed the ceremony for about an hour. These concerns did not faze many cap-and-gown clad students, however, as they prepared for the ceremony.
“I love the idea of being out here. I’d much rather be outside and Camp Randall is where it can really feel like a community,” said graduate Jade Arneson. “It’s where everyone comes together to have fun.”
The afternoon was graced with many congratulations and well-wishes from speakers like Chancellor Rebecca Blank, Edmund Manydeeds of the UW System Board of Regents and representatives from the senior class, but keynote speaker Katie Couric drew the most excitement, following her announcement as speaker in January.
Couric recounted some of her successes as a journalist and TV news anchor while giving the class of 2015 advice for life after UW-Madison. She also echoed some of the other speakers in advocating for the importance of the Wisconsin Idea.
“State schools are the heart and soul of our nation, and we so need the brainpower that is ignited on these campuses. So while the rest of the world, including our fiercest global competitor, China, is racing to imitate our public education system, we cannot afford to tear ours down,” Couric said. “I hope I’m saying that loud enough for the politicians down the road to hear me.”
Couric also gave what she called “conflicting advice,” urging graduates to have confidence while remaining humble, to accept a job quickly while soul-searching and to strive for success while accepting the possibility of failure. However, her most crucial piece of advice was the only one she did not contradict.
“There’s one thing that truly has no flip side, no paradox,” Couric said. “That’s discovering a life of purpose and meaning, which is the crucial underpinning of that sometimes elusive condition known as happiness.”
While the ceremony gave graduates a lot of long-term things to consider, most Badgers said they were excited for the short-term to celebrate their accomplishments with friends and families.
“I just can’t wait to take off these heels, then get food and drinks with my family,” said graduate Brianne Kashak.
