how different UVA's final exercises are! how much more simple, how much more casual, how drab the robes, but how much warmer the personalities! how beautiful the rotunda, that constant backdrop of each of my school days, how fine the white columns. and there was the tiered lawn, strips of green peeking out from under the ramps, the military band marching ahead of the academic faculty, the eager black robes flowing after, the state flag and the american national flag being borne in proudly - sic semper tyrannis! i thought to myself - the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. the parents lined on both sides of the upper lawn, with a clear view of their kin processing, all of them passing on either side of old homer - who, if he were not blind, would be gazing at each and every one of the graduates - i remember, too, waiting on the other side of the rotunda with other intermediate honours receipients, one fall convocation, and then filing up the rotunda, gazing at the upper storey of the pavilions and the magnolias as you came around to the front steps and there was the lawn ahead of you. how warmly and proudly each dean presented the candidates from their schools. ed ayers coming to the podium: "the candidates for the degree of doctor of philosophy will please rise and remain standing." john casteen: "i confer upon you the degree of the doctor of philosophy of arts and sciences, with all the rights and privileges thereunto belonging, and i welcome you to the ancient and universal company of scholars." casteen applauding every group of candidates, tipping his tam back at each dean, thanking the band, congratulating parents and grandparents. cristina, jenny, all of those english grad students i had known at uva, they must have passed down the lawn too, at their graduation exercises. did they feel alive, joyous to be walking the lawn, donning for the first time their doctoral robes, and feeling how splendid to be in charlottesville on a fine may day, in clear light and soft breeze, and to receive their degrees from a university so fine?