University of Oregon monthly., April 01, 1908, Image 22

U niversity
of
O regon M o n th ly
25
ity for hearing music of a class of which we have little opportunity
to know.
On Tuesday evening comes the oratorical contest, which gives
the best insight into student work of any of the Commencement,
features. In these exercises, students, chosen from the group who
every year try out in oratory, give original orations, and the contest
is an interesting one—the ability of all making discrimination , diffi­
cult. A great deal of student interest is always connected with
this contest. The Failing and Beekman prizes of $150-and $100 are
the awards to ’the winners.
I On one afternoon of Commencement comes the President’s
reception to which all students -are invited. This reception is re­
garded as the main social function of Commencement, and is a de­
lightful time for the meeting of students,- old and new, on a footing
of friendly sociability. .
On Wedneesday morning comes the Commencement exercises
proper. Music and an address accompany the always’ impressive
bestowal of diplomas on the graduates.
Following the morning program is the Alumni banquet, where
old and new alumni meet. Accompanying the banquet are music
and toasts, the latter being responded to by loyal and able Univer­
sity men and women. This-.is indeed a time to be remembered
afterwards. ’ The impressions tvhich one receives as he sees the al­
umnae of many out-going classes gathered together about the ban­
quet table and filled with the spirit bf college days, is one not to
be. forgotten.
The Commencement exercises end with a turning to a lighter
vein of pleasure, that of the Commencement ball, ’ given • in the Ar-,
mory on Wednesday night.
In addition to thebe' nevet-changing aspects of Commencement,
there are always others as the occasion may demand.
'■ But there, is another ifnportant point of view from which we
consider Commencement, that of,* the meaning of it all. Is 'there
anything in it more than the undoubted beauty of decoration, the
delightful music and the impressive-: addresses and orations-, we are
asked? , Does it hold any deeper meaning for those ,who attend? .
'U ndoubtedly it does, 'although it does not perhaps mean .the
same thing .to any two people, or at least, to any two classes of
people, attending^ ,