Every year, families from across the globe travel to Oregon State University for one event: The commencement ceremony.
We asked some of the people why they showed up today:
Carrie Hickman, a child welfare worker, came to Commencement Saturday because her son, a kinesiology major, was graduating. She came with five more people and said she planned to have a party celebrating her son’s graduation after the event.
Janet Fallon has a grandson, James Carmona, who was graduating with a computer science major. When asked about her favorite trait about her grandson, she said, “I don’t know, I just love him.”
Adam Willis is a caregiver who came for the graduation of his daughter, creative writing major Emiliy Wilis. His daughter has been in school for four years. His favorite part about his daughter is how enthusiastic and smart she is.
Gustavo Reyanoso is an optimizer whose niece was graduating from OSU. Reyanoso said his favorite part about his daughter is that she is very energetic and has a beautiful smile. Their family planned to go to lunch after the commencement ceremony.
Dac Nguyen is a mailman who came to Corvallis for his son who is an English and Education major.
“(My favorite trait about my son is) everything!” Nguyen said. “He is my son!”
Nguyen said he plans to have a party for his son after the commencement ceremony is over.
Glen Galbreath is a tugboat engineer who came to commencement with his partner, who wore a shark costume. His partner’s brother was graduating with a degree in electrical engineering and computer engineering.
“He is a unique individual,” Galbreath said about him.
Galbreath says that after the ceremony, he plans to get out of town due to the amount of people in Corvallis.
Jesse Wayman is a cartographer whose daughter, Mackenzie, was graduating with a major in digital communications. Wayman said his favorite trait about his daughter is that she likes to learn.
Pavan V. is a manager whose friend graduated Saturday with a masters degree in data analytics. His favorite trait of his friend is that he is very calm, smart and has drive. He plans to have a party with his friend to celebrate in the coming days.