@marlene I don’t believe leaving during the ceremony is usual behavior.
In my opinion the strength of the sun was unusually strong. I had sunscreen on my face and neck, but should have done my arms, legs and feet. I got sunburned on my shoulders and arms…and my feet have stripes because of the sandals I was wearing.
We asked some friends who were at last year’s commencement and they said there were clouds which made it better. We had arrived a little after the gates opened at 8 and stayed until noon…and they were still reading PhD names. In general, I believe the bulk of people started leaving when it became apparent that they were going to read all those names.
My suggestion: since the individual departments have their own ceremonies, use the university commencement as a fun, unifying celebration. Individual recognition by name could be reserved for the smaller more intimate ceremonies.
@CADREAMIN I envy the weather you had at your commencement. I think the discomfort was also more pronounced since it’s been very cool and rainy, and then all of a sudden we get a sunny, warm day. It was an abrupt change of weather for a lot of us.
Like WF, Nick Offerman was very good. Having a Fine Arts grad was a nice change of pace since UIUC tends to focus on STEM and business.