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A special day at "The Shoe"

Today was a special day in Columbus, Ohio. Over 40,000 gathered in Ohio Stadium (the Shoe) to watch and participate in Ohio State University's 380^th Commencement.

The whole ceremony was amazing to watch. The stage was set on the 50 yard line. The student processional was accompanied by the OSU band. The OSU color guard raised the American flag as soon to be graduate, Jodie Burns, sung the National Anthem. The sense of excitement radiated throughout the stadium.

Many honored guests gathered in Columbus, to participate in the festivities. Former President William Jefferson Clinton gave the commencement address. Others joining him on the stage included: former astronaut and Senator John Glenn, former two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin, and former Congressman Eric Fingerhut. In addition to the almost 8,000 degrees conferred, honorary degrees were awarded to: President Clinton (Doctor of Public Service), University President Karen Holbrook (Doctor of Education), Jean-Pierre Changeux (Doctor of Science), Gerald Buckberg (Doctor of Science), and Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira (Doctor of Music). James F. Patterson and Paul E. Young, Jr. were the recipients of this year's Distinguished Service Awards.

As the graduates joined the ranks of the more than a half a million Ohio State alumni it was a day to remember in Columbus.

Posted by Melissa Kruse on 06/10/2007 06:58 PM

Comments (10)

columbus, ohio, ohio state university, president clinton, the shoe

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10 Comments on A special day at "The Shoe"

JUN

2007

Melissa, all I can say is GO BLUE ! :)

Missy, I'll remember that at the next OSU-Michigan football game. You know the one where we usually WIN!! Just Kidding. I'm not that big of an OSU fan. Today was actually my first time in the stadium. But it was a really neat event to be a part of.

My husband spoke at the OSU and UM banquet one year. He had a great time and we are BIG U.M. fans. But, I am not a raging fan. I hope you know I was just teasing, it is a awesome rivalry. The biggest in the U.S. ( I have been told )

It's fine, I didn't take it personally. Like I said, I'm not a diehard fan either. It is fun to be part of the rivalry though. We had an incredible time at the OSU/Michigan game last year. What does your husband do that he was speaking at the banquet?

Ha, he teaches high school Social Studies. But, at the time he was with a motivational speaking group and being from Ann Arbor was invited to speak at that time, the score was 0-8-1. It was called the Great Debate and is still going on, since Mike spoke it was several years ago.

JUN

2007

GO Bucks!

JUN

2007

It's a great school....and I would love to have a six hour dinner with you Melissa and hear all about your former job! It's been quite a while since I was at a graduation...all that hope and promise. Cool

Carole, If you are ever in Columbus, I would love to get together. It was a really neat event. Everyone was so excited - about the day, the future etc. It was also interesting to see it all from behind the scenes. The walkthroughs, the honor guard practicing raising the flag, the faculty running late for the processional. It was all quite the experience.

sounds fabulous and yes for sure I will look you up if I am there!

JUN

2007

What a day! I met Archie Griffin and he is an amazing spokesperson for OSU.

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