Pomp & Circumstance

My last few weeks have been filled with Ceremony. The University of Denver recently installed our 17th Chancellor, Dr. Robert Coombe. This was the first inauguration of a Chancellor that I have attended. I was incredibly impressed. The Governor of Colorado, Bill Owens, and the Mayor of Denver, John Hickenlooper, both gave great speeches. The inaugural address by our new chancellor filled me with hope. I left with the sense that he sees the future clearly, understands what our University needs to do to succeed in the future, and is ready to lead us there. I could not wish for more than that. You can read his speech here, see the video or download an MP3 file.

My own MBA graduation ceremony at the University of Colorado Denver was this past weekend. The line up of speakers was not as impressive (no outside speakers) but it did create some closure for how I spent my evenings over the last 2.5 years. It was still somewhat anti-climatic as final grades won’t be posted until next week; moreover, diplomas will not be mailed until mid-July. However, we did have perfect Colorado weather-approximately 75 degrees and sunny-for the  outdoor ceremony. They broadcast the graduation ceremony live on the Internet so some of my family was able to virtually “attend.” I love technology.

Finally, I was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the business school honor society. When I decided to join, I was not aware that I would have to swear an oath (word document of ceremony). Fortunately, the values of Honor, Wisdom and Earnestness resonate with me.