May was a very busy month for us, and one of THE BEST MONTHS that we have had the chance to enjoy together. As many of you might know, Matt has been hard at work for the past 5 years finishing up his bachelors degree in civil engineering (while working and being a dutiful husband and son). On May 4, 2013 he finally walked across the stage at the USF Sun Dome to receive his degree. I can't even put into words how proud I am of my husband. Some of you may know how long it has taken Matt to earn this shining achievement, and if you don't, it took him ten, count them ten years to get his degree. Matt's dad Bill once told Matt that going to college and graduating in four years was like going to a good party and leaving at ten. Well, I think that taking ten years is equivalent to helping clean up the party the next morning, but I sure am proud nonetheless. He has worked so hard and overcame so many obstacles on his way to earning this degree, it was only fitting that we threw him a nice party to celebrate. We had all of Matt's best friends there to celebrate with us (and some of mine were able to make it as well), and even Matt's Grandma Munz and his Uncle Pinky came up for his graduation. Matt has a very special place in his heart for Uncle Pink and it really meant a lot to Matt that he would take the time to be there for him.
The graduation ceremony for civil engineers is actually two fold. In the morning Uncle Pink and I attended Matt's Engineering Ring Ceremony, where Matt received a steel ring (that goes on his pinky- a bit weird, I know) to signify his position as an engineer. It is meant to be a symbol of professionalism, and a reminder of the vows he took to protect the integrity of his profession. The ceremony was actually very nice, and it included guest speakers of notoriety within USF's engineering community. Each of the graduates names were called as they walked out on stage to receive their rings, and as they walked across the rest of the stage they got to shake hands with all of their professors and the dean of engineering. It really was a more intimate ceremony for the graduates, and nearly two hours long!
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| the Lord of the Ring |
After the ring ceremony, we had the ACTUAL graduation ceremony. It was lovely (minus the mean woman who I had some not nice words with). But afterwards we were very ready to kick back and enjoy some good food and good friends.
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| The crew awaiting the ceremony (minus me and my Dad) |
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| Matt and USF Dean Judy Genshaft |
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| Matt and Ta Tops |
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| Matt and Barb |
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| Matt, Grandma Munz, and Uncle Pink |
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| Me, Matt, and Dad |
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| Hater blockers |
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| notice the bunny ears |
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| Me, Kacie, Ashlee, and Jess |
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| Me and Jess (we got the color memo) |
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| Graham, Jess, and Jude the Dude |
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| The Boys: Chad, Graham, Matt, Matt (Cantoni), and Matt (Prowant) |
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| The Boys and the next generation |
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| Auntie Erica's little chick pea |
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| Clint and Krista |
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| Matt and his fellow graduates Justin, Paige (the rockstar), and Makyla |
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| Blakers! You can take the boys out of the country, but you can't get them off the tailgate. |
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| Thug Life |
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| Best Buds |
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| Barb and her boys |
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| Take 1 |
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| Take 2 |
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| Take 3 |
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| Take 4, Me and my boys. |
It was a great day, and a much deserved celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped us along the way.
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