LA Story - Day Three

May 12, 2006
USC Graduation Day

Alumni Memorial Park with Doheny Library in the background, the site of the 125th Commencement Exercises for the University of Southern California. We, of course, were seated in the Handicapped seating (Gram & Wanda used wheelchairs because they couldn't be on their feet all day) which was to the right of the main stage. So, again, we saw nothing. LA mayor, Antonio Viallaraigosa, was entertaining as the keynote speaker. Each school was recognized and then sent on to their own satellite ceremonies throughout campus.


Esteban (Julie's cousin) in cap & gown in front of Student Union where we ate ourselves stupid at the Graduation Buffet Luncheon. Before lunch, we walked all over campus and saw the buildings were Esteban attended most of his classes. It is a large campus and we did a lot of walking that day!


After lunch, we headed to the Shrine Auditorium where the School of Cinema Television held their satellite graduation ceremony. John Singleton, director and USC alum, was the keynote speaker.


Esteban received his MFA in Cinema-Television. He says that he is finished with school and now plans to enter the work force full time. We shall see...


About a year ago, Esteban asked me if I still watched General Hospital. (I've watched my favorite soap opera faithfully for over 25 years now.) When he told me that the girl who plays the character of Lulu Spencer, Julie Berman, was a classmate of his at USC, I was excited. She just happened to be seated in front of us during the ceremony and I got a quick photo of her as she marched by. This was, actually, my only "star" sighting in LA. Not a huge deal but, I did know who she was.

So, we were on campus for all things graduation for 10 hours and were EXHAUSTED by the time we got home. Esteban and his roommates had a big graduation party that night with food from La Barca and lots and lots and lots of margaritas. We were able to meet many of Esteban's friends at the party and they kept it going until at least 3:00am. Gram, Wanda & I pooped out and left the party at 9:00-ish.