Graduation Tradition in America....

[megeve]

Wooooohoooooo, after 2 years of doing her MBA, DD will be graduating this May (doing a jingly dance). Since we are from Europe and this is our first experience with an american graudation system, I am wondering what is the done thing in America for a graduation milestone. Will it be celebrate? If yes how will it being celebrated? TIA

 

[kelpie]

You must be very proud! Your daughter has a choice of whether or not to walk in her graduation ceremony. A lot of people choose not to for higher degrees having done it twice already, if you do attend tickets are usually very limited like each graduate gets 5 tickets. I'd say a Dinner out or party with close family members and friends is fairly common. Gifts are also common (though much more so for lower degrees), for an MBA money would not be a common gift like it would be for high school, luggage is a very traditional gift for younger graduates who plan to travel over the summer (again does not sound like her) and jewelry or a trip is also an appropriate gift!

 

[vc10um]

For a professional degree like an MBA, I'd recommend a nice soft-side briefcase capable of carrying a laptop. That will most likely become invaluable to her as she will be bringing work to and from the office, and most likely a computer as well. Or jewelry.

When I received my Master's Degree, I walked in the Masters and PhD only ceremony on Friday, attended the full university graduation as a ticketed attendee with my mother because I wanted to see Bill Clinton speak on Saturday morning (I received my Master's from Michigan in 2007), and then walked again in the College of Engineering ceremony Saturday afternoon (because this is where they actually announce your name as you walk).

We celebrated with a nice lunch between ceremonies and I got a few small gifts.

Congrats to you and your DD, megeve!!!

 

[megeve]

You must be very proud! Your daughter has a choice of whether or not to walk in her graduation ceremony. A lot of people choose not to for higher degrees having done it twice already, if you do attend tickets are usually very limited like each graduate gets 5 tickets. I'd say a Dinner out or party with close family members and friends is fairly common. Gifts are also common (though much more so for lower degrees), for an MBA money would not be a common gift like it would be for high school, luggage is a very traditional gift for younger graduates who plan to travel over the summer (again does not sound like her) and jewelry or a trip is also an appropriate gift!

Oh yes, we are terribly proud of DD! Considering that she is not an english native speaker and on top of her studies having two TA jobs at the university, she has done very well so far.

I didn't realise that the ceremony has limited each graduate with only 5 tickets. Gosh, its good that it will only be DH and I at the ceremony. But I am really looking forward to it especially seeing her in the regalia outfit, it would be a touching sight! We are leaning on giving her jewelry as I think thats what she would like most! Just like her Mom!

ETA: Was just told by DD that there is no limitation of tickets in her university! She could bring as many guests as she wishes.

 

[megeve]

For a professional degree like an MBA, I'd recommend a nice soft-side briefcase capable of carrying a laptop. That will most likely become invaluable to her as she will be bringing work to and from the office, and most likely a computer as well. Or jewelry.

When I received my Master's Degree, I walked in the Masters and PhD only ceremony on Friday, attended the full university graduation as a ticketed attendee with my mother because I wanted to see Bill Clinton speak on Saturday morning (I received my Master's from Michigan in 2007), and then walked again in the College of Engineering ceremony Saturday afternoon (because this is where they actually announce your name as you walk).

We celebrated with a nice lunch between ceremonies and I got a few small gifts.

Congrats to you and your DD, megeve!!!

Thank you, Vc your Mom must be real proud of you! What an achievement! I am impressed!

Thats what DD has explained over the holiday season about the announcing names and walking up the stage to receive the 'diploma' (?) Like your idea of a sofe leather briefcase, am thinking of Montblanc, might even spring this gift too! Okay, will talk to DD about arranging a table reservation at the best restaurant in town! Thanks!

 

[qtiekiki]

Congratulations to you and your daughter!!!

I agree with megeve that higher degrees aren't celebrated as much. When DH, then FI, graduated with his MBA, only his parents went to the ceremony and we didn't take him out to dinner. I DID wanted to attend, but could not get a day off work.

You can get her a lei to wear during or after the ceremony. That's a very common practice. Then take her to a nice dinner afterward.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Not sure what I will do when I graduate with my Masters. Probably nothing. Maybe I won't even go to the ceremony so I would never expect my family to. My parents bought me a new computer when I graduated from college. I expect nothing for my Masters. A job offer would be the best way to celebrate!

Congrats for your daughter. I would celebrate however you want. No rules.

 

[lulu66]

DH & i both received our master's degrees the same semester. our university did not limit tickets/seating. my parents & sisters attended the ceremony. his parents, brother, and a few aunts that live close attended the ceremony. along with several of our close friends. afterwords, we went back to our house and had a very casual party. we ordered pizza & had wine & beer (we're high class ). the (real) adults left after a few hours & we partied into the night!

as for gifts, my mother gifted me a cameo ring that was hers. i have always loved it & she has always told me that i could have it when she passed away. it was very meaningful to me that she gave it to me on this occasion. my in-laws gave me a bouquet of flowers after the ceremony (and i'm not sure if they gave DH anything, maybe money? i can't remember.).

OOHHHHH and congrats to you & DD!! it's quite an achievement

 

[Haven]

CONGRATS to the graduates!

I love graduations and always go to my own. (Besides, I wanted that hood when I earned my master's!)
I really love all the pomp and circumstance, and tradition of them. My undergraduate convocation and commencement ceremonies were particularly awe-inspiring for me. Maya Angelou spoke at my undergrad commencement, and she was wonderful.

As you can see, everyone celebrates differently. We dress up, attend the ceremony, and go out for a nice meal after. We aren't big on material gifts, but I always think a piece of jewelry is a wonderful way to mark a big achievement like this.

 

[Echidna]

For a professional degree like an MBA, I'd recommend a nice soft-side briefcase capable of carrying a laptop. That will most likely become invaluable to her as she will be bringing work to and from the office, and most likely a computer as well. Or jewelry.

When I received my Master's Degree, I walked in the Masters and PhD only ceremony on Friday, attended the full university graduation as a ticketed attendee with my mother because I wanted to see Bill Clinton speak on Saturday morning (I received my Master's from Michigan in 2007), and then walked again in the College of Engineering ceremony Saturday afternoon (because this is where they actually announce your name as you walk).

We celebrated with a nice lunch between ceremonies and I got a few small gifts.

Congrats to you and your DD, megeve!!!

Thank you, Vc your Mom must be real proud of you! What an achievement! I am impressed!

Thats what DD has explained over the holiday season about the announcing names and walking up the stage to receive the 'diploma' (?) Like your idea of a sofe leather briefcase, am thinking of Montblanc, might even spring this gift too! Okay, will talk to DD about arranging a table reservation at the best restaurant in town! Thanks!

Megeve, I just graduated from my PhD and my parents gave me a beautiful Mont Blanc pen. I really treasure it as I would never have purchased it myself. It goes everywhere with me now I'm sure your DD would one of their briefcases-they are stunning

 

[megeve]

Thank you ladies for chiming in!

qtiekiki, No, higher degree is not celebrated here in Europe! Glad that your DH's parents were there for him. Thats what I understand, closed family members will be with the graduates at the ceremony, we just felt that we can't let DD be alone on that day especially if all her classmates will be surrounded by their family members. We do what we can to support our kids right?

Tacori, how long more do you still have till your Master? Yes, that is exactly what DD hoped for, a good job after all this hard work!

lulu, maybe its a bit too late, but I still would like to congratulate you and your DH for your Masters! That is a great achievement!Yah, I will have to see what we will gift her, maybe something from my stuff!

Haven, Thanks, if I understand right, you are also doing your master course right now? How long more? Yes, in a way, I am loving all this pomp and circumtance and the tradition of them. It makes the whole ceremony so meaningful to the graduates themselves.

Echidna, congrats to your PhD and to your MB pen! Ain't the MB pens just beautiful? Actually, it is a custom in my family to gift our kids with their first MB pen on their High School graduation.

 

[Haven]

Hi, megeve,

I finished my last master's degree three years ago. Or was it four? I can't remember. But I went to that ceremony and loved it!
I teach in a community college and faculty attend the commencement ceremony each year in full academic regalia, which is fun. Good thing I like graduations, right?

Enjoy your DD's graduation!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Awhile! Haha. I will graduate in December 2012 (hopefully). Going out to a nice dinner is always a treat. Also, I like any excuse to have cake Love the pen idea. Sounds like that would fit in her new profession.

 

[Shoopy]

Congrats to your daughter!!

When I graduated with my Masters, the school had a ceremony (that was terribly long) and we went out to eat after.

My brother is graduating this year from undergrad. We are planning a family trip. Lord knows we are ALL glad it's over. He drove us crazy these past 4 years!!

 

[Clio]

I walked in all of my graduation ceremonies: AB, MA, and Phd. I'd worked hard, so I definitely wanted to be a part of the celebration! The PhD ceremony was especially nice, as my major professor hooded me.

For my MA and PhD graduations, I had a small lunch for family at my house afterward. It was nice to celebrate in a laid back way. A festive lunch out would also be nice.

 

[katamari]

Congrats to your DD! Is she going to walk? If so, buying her regalia might be a very nice gift. I didn't walk for my MA, but the PhD regalia was $1200--quite a chunk of change. MA regalia is less, but still pretty pricey.

I didn't walk for my MA. I enrolled intending to get a PhD, so earning the MA along the way was not something I even thought about. In fact, my school had to call me to come get my diploma from my MA. I let it sit at the registrar long enough that they were going to just recycle it or something.

 

[zoebartlett]

Congratulations to your daughter, Megeve!

When I graduated with my masters degree, I attended my department's ceremony but I skipped the "real" ceremony with the all of the university's graduates. My department's ceremony was much more meaningful to me because it was a smaller event and I was with everyone that I had shared common experiences with for the past 2+ years.

My family and I went out for a nice lunch afterwards.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Megeve, congratulations to your DD and your family. Awesome accomplishment!

 

[rockzilla]

I am an MBA student and I will be graduating this May as well - woohoo! So, hopefully I can give you some good advice...

You are very generous to consider a graduation gift, but I would steer away from anything too business-y. I had several years of experience before my MBA, and no-one I know in my industry (one that 20-30%+ of top MBAs go into) has a briefcase. A lot of folks do double-duty with a laptop case or even a backpack, so unless you know her style perfectly or take her to pick it out with you, I would tread carefully there. Same with business-card holders, I got a beautiful one as a gift, but always forgot to bring it, and just ended up throwing a few cards in my wallet (what I saw most people do).

I think the jewelry or trip idea is probably a better way to go. Something simple (pearls, etc) that could go with a lot of different outfits. You'd be surprised how informal some corporate settings are nowadays -- when I got into bschool, I hadn't worn a suit since I was interviewing for jobs out of college! Also, MBA students LOVE to take trips, and often it is their last time to travel extensively before work, so if she is looking at taking a trip maybe either help her out with that or something for it (e.g. if she's been eying a new camera).

Good to hear the tickets won't be a problem -- for one of our graduation ceremonies, each grad is given two tickets. One is obviously going to my husband, but then I only have one left between my two parents (who are going through a difficult separation-possibly-divorce right now...ugh) I am thinking, if I can't get a third ticket from someone, just having my DH come -- not worth the drama otherwise =(

 

[Amber St. Clare]

We threw a party for our sopn when he graduated from college with his BS. When he finished with his Masters in Finance we gave him our sincere congratulations and the want ads.

 

[Clairitek]

For my undergrad graduation my parents threw me a party in lieu of a physical gift. Then for my PhD graduation they bought me a ring that commemorated the date of my doctoral hooding. It was really unexpected and sweet. My in-laws bought me a DSLR camera. After my PhD graduation (hooding) we went and made pizzas from scratch at a friend's house. After my defense (which, to me, was the really pivotal moment of going from student to PhD) we went out to dinner at a really nice restaurant (DH and I paid).

From my experience, graduations are a bigger deal in the US than other countries. My relatives in NZ didn't do anything at all to commemorate their graduations. In fact, I'm not even sure they attended a ceremony or any kind.

Have fun planning for your DD's graduation! Congrats to her, and to you!

 

[purselover]

Congratulations to your daughter!

I think how graduations are celebrated vary a lot based on the person. I am very low-key so for college I just went out to lunch with my parents, DH (then bf) and his parents, and my parents also got me a few gifts. I just started a masters program but I doubt I will walk in the ceremony when I graduate. DH on the other hand loves a lot of fuss. He had a huge party for his college graduation, so knowing this when he graduates in May from law school I'm going all out. I bought him a nice watch and am planning a weekend away with a bunch of friends to celebrate, also after the bar I'm going to take him to one of the nicest restaurants in NYC.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I would just ask your daughter what she'd like in terms of gifts/how to celebrate. Since she's not from the US she might not see the point in a big fuss.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Haha, my parents were so mad that I didn't walk for my college graduation. I didn't want to because I was graduating a year early and so I wouldn't be walking with my close friends and classmates. That, and I was planning to get a graduate degree, so I figured I'd walk at that one.

As of now I'm planning to walk at my medical school graduation, I think if I don't my parents will kill me...

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

How thrilling!

I loved all of my Graduations. My family was especially excited when I received my Masters--as I was nominated to give the graduation address; they were not going to miss it for the world! We celebrated after with dinner out at a fine resturant.

cheers--Sharon

 

[megeve]

My apology for not replying earlier, I was away and just got back last night.

Thank you guys for chiming in! Much appreciated!

Haven, I am so sorry for the misread. Even when your mba was 3/4 years ago, my congrats for this great accomplishment!

Tacori, wish you all the best for Dec 2012!

katamari, as this will be her first graduation with all pomp and circumtance, DD will walk for her graduation and she plans to rent the regalia (I think-not sure whether it can be rented)

rockzilla, Congrats to your upcoming graduation too! Enjoy with your DH!

luv2sparkle, thanks!

MTG, I hope you will walk at your graduation. I think its special to honour this day! If I remember right, you are at wharton right? DD is at wharton too and she loves it there.

fiery, Clio, Zoe, Amer, Clairitek, purselover & canuk-gal, thanks for sharing! DH and I are thinking of getting her jewelry as gift. We just have to ask her if she has something in mind!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Megeve, congratulations to your DD and your family. let her pick one of those beautiful watch from your collection...

 

[megeve]

DF, thanks! lol, she has her own watches, albeit not mechanical but lovely cartier tank and ballon bleu!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I don't know if this helps, but I know a few girl who have gotten classic jewelery "staples" for graduation.
A small diamond solitaire pendant is a very popular idea as it's something every professional woman can wear everyday.

I'm considering something like that for my own graduation.

 

[megeve]

MTG, thanks for the tip! I am adding it to our list. But we will probably talk to her first whether she has any kind of jewelry in mind. Btw, when is your graduation coming up?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Yay! Glad to help.

I don't graduate until next year, I'm so excited though. I've been in school for almost 20 years! I worked for a year between college and graduate school, but still, it wasn't "the real world". So I'm preparing myself for some culture shock after I graduate, haha.