2008 Woodie Awards
Graduation 2007: Deal Or No Deal
The undergraduate commencement ceremony for the Class of 2007
By Angela M. Barrett
Issue date: 6/18/07 Section: Campus Life
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The trumpets began to sound and the notorious graduation hymn sounded throughout the venue. Graduation day had finally arrived and graduates lined up according to their college and walked in to take their seats. The class of 2007 is definitely a creative bunch, because some decided to glam up their graduation caps. One cap said, "Hire me" while another said "thanks mom and dad deaf ed. rocks." President Dawood Farahi teased the crowd for having such a weak applause saying that the graduates from last year clapped much better. Dr. Farahi set aside the jokes for a second to get a little sentimental and tell the graduates that they were the, "best and brightest graduating class ever." Over 61 countries were represented in the class and one in three of the graduates were first generation Americans. Dr. Farahi asked the graduates if they thought they would have ever been able to achieve such an accomplishment on their own. The graduates unanimously screamed, "NO!" Then Dr. Farahi immediately told them to thank all of the family, friends, and faculty present supporting them on their big day. They jumped to their feet yelling, "Thank you" while waving to all of their supporters.
Ms. Marisa Petroro, class of 1995, was the Commencement speaker. Dr. Farahi introduced her by saying, "She promised me that the million dollars is in case number 18." Marisa is a television actress and plays case holder No.18 on NBC's game show Deal or No Deal. Marisa took to the podium and greeted the class of 2007 with a warm smile. "I never got to go to my graduation, because I had to work that day, so now I'm here celebrating with you all today", she said. Marisa suffered from a rare form of cancer called rhabdomysarcoma during her college years so she struggled a great deal with keeping up with her schoolwork. She wasn't afraid to share her story of how she overcame the disease and still managed to graduate. "School gave me something to focus on besides cancer, and that really helped me get through the ordeal. The professors and all of the people at Kean were so wonderful to me. It's not often that you can really bond with your teachers, but the people at Kean really cared", she said thankfully. Marissa ended by saying, "I hope to send you off with some words of wisdom to make your transition smoother." Who else could have given better advice to Kean graduates than someone whom graduated from Kean themselves?
Senior class president Sharetta Harrington addressed the class by sharing some final encouraging and insightful words. She reminded them victory is not determined by what people expect from you, but it is measured by what you expect from yourself. She amorously said, "To the class of 2007, I love you guys." Graduates yelled, "Sharetta we love you too!"
Students participated in the ceremony by performing dance numbers and singing for the graduates. A memorable performance given by freshman Theatre major, Tenin Baba Ndanani, who beautifully sang an occasion-appropriate song called "I'm Changing". Senior Elementary Education and Psychology major, Tiffani Artist jumped out of her seat screaming, "She sounds wonderful!"
Battle of the screams began when the Deans of each college announced the graduating colleges to receive recognition. Group by group, students stood up clapping for joy or even throwing their caps up to the sky. The actual deal is that the class of 2007 is ready to face the real world with a degree from Kean University. Congrats Graduates!
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