It was my first attendance at the Commencement ceremony and I couldn’t have picked a more satisfying afternoon.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous with an intense light blue sky, emerald green grass and trees, and a refreshing breeze from the North.

On this beautiful Sunday afternoon, our four seniors, Ben Esbaum, Greg Ridenour, Tahir Ahmed, and Zuber Ahmed received their Bachelor of Arts degree from Wabash.They were all smiling and taking pictures with their friends and families.  I managed to take some pictures as well and I am honored to share them with you.

I saw many people I know from faculty and staff, and finally met the parents of our four graduates right after the ceremony ended. I had the pleasure of meeting Ben's parents and even his grand-parents. I met Greg's mom and dad together with his sister, brother-in-law and his one year old niece.

Then, I saw again Mimi and Nisar Ahmed, T & Z's parents from India, whom I had met a few days earlier when they visited my office. This is Mr. & Mrs. Ahmed's first trip to the States ever and what a great way of celebrating their stay!

I coached Ben, Greg, T & Z only for one year but I feel I have known them for longer than that, and that we built something special in the few months we were together.  I believe that we connected in a particular way, and my hope is that they will continue to be part of the soccer program as alumni in the years to come.

Before leaving to return home, I had the pleasure to exchange a few words with Pres. Patrick White as he was trying to grab something to eat (actually, he was on his first bite of a white macadamia chocolate chip cookie!) before joining his wife Chris, who had preceded him in Bloomington, at the graduation of their son from medical school.

Pat and I both acknowledged that we share the same feelings about the class of 2007. It will always be a special one for us because it was our first one. And you know what they say, the first one…you never forget it.

 Congratulations again, Ben, Greg, T & Z, you will always have a place in our hearts.