ASU Commencement & The President of the United States

The commencement ceremony for ASU this year carried with it extra significance. President Obama agreed to give the commencement speech to over 70,000 attendees. We were fortunate enough to be a part of that group. Our friends, Ryan Adams and Zoe Tovar-Blank, both graduated from ASU's Psychology program with their Doctorates. They were both given 6 tickets for themselves and family and friends. Just so happened that there were 2 extra. That's where we came in. Commencement was on Wednesday, May 13th. Temperatures reached the 100's and there were quite the lines to wait in. Our tickets advised us to arrive at Sun Devil Stadium at 2:30 pm. The commencement itself didn't start until 7 pm! We arrived at the stadium, promptly at 4 pm. Side note: We experienced our first LightRail ride on the way to the stadium, love that public transportation. We were told beforehand that there would be "cool zone" and plenty of water. We approached then entrance were there many people waiting, being corralled into lines like cattle. There was no shade and no water, unless you planned ahead. We were lucky enough to pack a liter of water and some snacks for the anticipated wait. We waited for about 45 minutes to get past security and during that time witnessed 2 people nearly pass out and have to be rushed through the lines to receive medical attention. Let me tell you, heat, thirst and waiting in line can cause some people to get mighty cranky! We arrived at our seats at about 5 pm and there waited patiently for the commencement to begin. There was definitely excitement and energy in the air. The President gave a very motivating speech about life and how it should not focused on the dollar but should be centered around being selfless. Giving back, not always taking. All in all, it was a very enjoyable, albeit hot, experience that we are both glad that would be a part of. Here are few pics from the commencement. Enjoy.

a packed house

the veiw from our seats