All of my living grandparents attended my college graduation, although it was held a couple of hours from where they lived.
My folks (from rural Dexter) took Grandma Leora Wilson and picked up my sister from Iowa State University to watch me graduate from the State College of Iowa in 1966. Grandpa and Grandma Neal, also from rural Dexter, drove to Cedar Falls as well.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was probably a big deal for Kenneth and Ruby Neal. I’m their oldest grandchild, the first in the family to graduate from college. Grandma Ruby was my only grandparent to complete high school.
My freshman year was made possible by the poignant generosity of Grandma Leora.
Guy and I had gotten married the weekend before, ahead of all my cousins scattering across the country for the summer, so this meant two trips to Cedar Falls for them in just a week. No one from Guy’s family attended, so we were doubly thankful for the three generations who came to celebrate with us.
Because of the threat of the draft for the Vietnam War, Guy had a delayed enlistment in the Air Force (until August). Three years later he got orders for Vietnam.
The Iowa State Normal School was founded in 1876 to train teachers. In 1909 it was renamed Iowa State Teachers College. It became the State College of Iowa in 1961. Guy and I were freshman the fall of 1962. The school became the University of Northern Iowa in 1967.
My grandmother came to my Masters graduation. She was getting older and was reluctant since she would need a wheelchair. We told her that we could get her everywhere she needed and that I really wanted her to come. So, she did. That was in August and by the end of October, she had passed away. One of my very favorite photos is of her looking at me at commencement. Would not have missed it for the world!
When my Mom graduated from college (after dragging me and my brother around for ten years), my great-aunts took the Greyhound from southwest Arkansas to west Tennessee for her graduation.
Graduations can be a really big deal. I am glad folks make the effort.
Our son was the first in the family to earn a graduate degree, from the University of Iowa Law School. You can bet that both of his grandmothers attended!
I’m sure it was a big deal to them, Joy. Grandparents want their best for their grandkids, and you had accomplished something no one else in your family had at that point.
If only I’d appreciated it at the time. We were fixated on the Vietnam war and getting my college loan paid off.
How wonderful! Great memories.
Thank you, Darlene.
That’s such a nice graduation picture of you and Guy, Joy. I wonder if Guy gave us support in Vietnam. Air Force jets gave us a lot of support, thankfully.
He was based at Nha Trang. Have you had any health issues elated to Vietnam? Where in MI do you live, Tim?
No health issues from Vietnam, Joy. We live about 25 miles north of Detroit, Shelby Township.
I’m thankful for you health, Tim. Our daughter-in-law is from Macon Township.
Having family at your graduation is a very big deal!
They came to everything so I took it for granted, until I’m older and think about how wonderful it was!
I always feel the love when I read your posts, and this is no exception!
Thank you, Annette. I wish I hadn’t taken them for granted for so long!
I’ve been a little slow catching up on my emails, including this post. But I eventually get there! Great memories of the ol’ college years. Just this week, I reconnected (after 50 years!) with a former college roommate from my sophomore year, still living in the same house he and his wife moved into shortly after they married following college. I’ve driven past his road many times and wondered if he still lived there but never had time to check it out. I finally tracked him down through the internet and wrote to see if he was, indeed, the same fellow. He replied by letter saying he is! I hope to visit him soon.
Hurrah for reunions, even after 50 years!