KIMBLE’S GRADUATION

RodHilling.com Back to contents

Win Hilling. Stories for my Grandchildren

KIMBLE’S GRADUATION

2002

My grandson Kimble Tony Vowless achieved First Class Honours for his Master’s Degree in Geography, and his capping was held at the Auckland Town Hall on September 26^th, 2002. I looked forward to being there on his special day as I have always remembered his first graduation for his BA. I also remember the graduation of my grand-daughter Pia in 2000 when she graduated with two Bachelor Degrees.

So in September 2002 Kimble’s mother Sylvia – my daughter – and I set off on our hour’s drive to Auckland city. It was a beautiful spring day, the sun was shining and we enjoyed seeing all the new growth on the trees and shrubs as we drove through the countryside. We enjoy each other’s company and find plenty of subjects to talk about and share as we travel.

Arriving in Auckland we joined the crowds lining the main street waiting to see all the Graduates march from the University and come up Queen Street to arrive at the Town Hall. There were many people carrying beautiful bouquets and gifts. Some on the Polynesian families had big leis of either fresh flowers or wonderfully crafted artifical roses and blossoms to put around the necks of their successful family members and friends. What a happy crowd! All nationalities were in harmony and so proud and happy.

The Graduates marched proudly in their black gowns with different coloured satin linings to denote the area of their achievement, and there was much laughter and bantering as they slowly passed by us. The recently refurbished Town Hall looked splendid in the sunshine. We took our seats upstairs in the Circle listening to the great pipe organ being played so grandly by one of the Music lecturers.

Then the Professors and University teachers solemnly passed in procession through the centre aisle from the back of the Town Hall and took their seats up on the huge tiered stage. They made quite a spectacular and impressive sight in their colourful scarlet, blue and gold silks and velvets with many interesting shapes of mediaeval-style hats and gowns.

High up above the stage where everyone could see them were two huge screens. As each individual Graduate walked onto the stage to shake the hand of the Chancellor of the University of Auckland and be ‘capped,’ they could clearly be seen on the screens. Many lost no time in putting their mortar boards on their heads as soon as they had received their Degree! And in many cases family members in the audience stood up and called out to their loved one as they were capped.

It was interesting to observe each grad so clearly. Some looked happy and proud, others were more solemn but happy. I wondered which of them would have the happiest future and where their lives would take them. A large number were Asians and to my surprise, several elderly folk graduated too. Kimble’s friend who is in her third year of medical and genetic studies told me that anybody could study at University irrespective of age. I gave some thought to the possibility of taking a correspondence course, but I think even they might hesitate at accepting a ninety-year old! I think it will be more beneficial for me to take another computer course as I would like to become more proficient with my computer.

When the ceremony was over we assembled with the crowds outside the Town Hall in Aotea Square. Sylvia gave Kimble a souvenir teddy bear which was dressed in a gown with the same pink satin cape that Kimble had – and a mortar board as well! Later we went for a coffee and then drove to Ponsonby to Kimble’s favourite Thai restaurant where he had arranged a celebration lunch for us.

It was so good to chat with the young folk as we enjoyed a delicious meal. Time flew by and we were surprised to find that it was 4pm. Photos were taken standing in front of a beautiful waterfall feature wall inside the restaurant before we were back on the road to Warkworth – our home – after a truly happy and memorable day.

May you have a very satisfying and interesting future Kimble!