Wacky Walk 2008 (Stanford University Commencement) - Stanford, CA [Crazies]

(Pictures taken with my Canon Rebel XTi.)

The blog has been pretty quiet recently, although I think I have some pretty good excuses. The past few weeks have been spent busy with work, my brother's graduation, a friend's bachelor party (Vegas baby!), and a trip Cat and I took to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. However, vacation time is over (*sob*) and there are new articles on the horizon. I promise.



Here's a sneak peek at a new recipe for Whole Grain Bread Knots that I think I'll be ready to post on either Friday or Saturday. I've also got a gorgeous photo spread and restaurant review that I'm working on for next week. In the meantime, I thought I'd share some photos of my little brother's graduation from Stanford University.



Some of you might remember that I wrote about Stanford University's zany "Wacky Walk" in a post on my little sister's graduation last year. This year's display was possibly crazier and more fun with a mastodon hunt, giant cardboard school bus, Crayola Crayon costumes, and signs in a number of different languages thanking the parents.


One of the things I love about Stanford's commencement ceremony is the sense of irreverent fun with which the faculty, staff, and students approach the event. Stanford is among the top four universities in the United States. The graduating students have every right to be proud of their accomplishments, yet their willingness to poke fun at themselves shows flattering humility. This modesty allows everyone to enjoy the ceremony even if they, like me, weren't fortunate enough to be admitted.


(I love my 300mm lens.)

The highlight of this year's commencement was the keynote address by Oprah Winfrey, whose god-daughter was among the graduating class. I've never seen one of Oprah's shows, but after hearing her speak, I understand why she's such an influential force. The speech she gave about finding oneself through service to the greater good was truly inspirational.


(My sister's boyfriend.)

I also think that Stanford's custom of splitting the actual awarding of individual degrees into individual ceremonies organized by department or school is very well thought out. It creates a sense of intimacy that parents and family members appreciate. Because of this, my brother, sister, and I were able to attend the ceremony for my sister's boyfriend...


(My brother and my parents.)

... and then nip over to attend my brother's ceremony.


(Sometimes I wonder about him...)

I'm proud of you little brother. Congratulations on graduating! We all love you very much.