It was beyond impressive.
Around 85% came back based on seating and talking to an official. One also needs to consider that there are also many students from overseas who attended school. The families came too. I thought that this spoke about ND more than anything else. Most schools wouldn’t care, and of the ones that do, the turn out problem 2 years after graduation would likely be a big problem.
The commencement speaker was an ND alumnus John Crowley who was the father who was able to organize the scientists and money and lab to find a cure for his children who were dying from a metabolic disorder.
He also has been chairman of Make A Wish.
His while family was present. Great speech. Standing ovation for the family.
I learned there was a movie made about their story with Harrison Ford and Brandon Fraser.
Campus was in great form, had a sunset over the Dome that was epic.
Stayed in Granger - wondering if HS mascot went for the easy mascot name (Rangers), or went more modern with The Danger?
Had 4 hours to kill - saw Top Gun II - surprisingly entertaining - thumbs up….can’t get the song out of my head (Highway to the Granger Zone).
Met my grad’s future in laws - nice people & also ND folks.!!
Jenkins won me over. It was he who moved the mountains to make this happen. And he said something in his speech that I loved:
(Paraphrasing) - whatever you do or don’t do in your life, if you ever want to come back and recharge your batteries or just take shelter with your family, we are here for you. We’re a family”
He’s right. Family. Go Irish!
Link: https://youtu.be/cmnMdwYAhTY