On October 8th (yes, I am still behind on posting), the School of Access (my department) held its first ever graduation - much thanks to colleague Dk who thought this would be a good idea and worked hard to see it actualized. And in fact, although it was not a degree program graduation, but rather the graduation from the 2 year preparatory English program, it did seem to be meaningful to students here (who love to receive certificates). Below is a bevy of beauties all decked out in local finery. I particularly like the garb of G, the girl 3rd from the left. She always manages to have a style all her own. She informed me that the gold (!!!) necklace she is wearing with all the strings of coins radiating out from the center has a special name and meaning in Kurdistan... If only I could remember what it was (I will try to ask and post in a comment).
Despite a relatively short period for planning, the whole event went off without any glitches. Seats near the stage were reserved for the graduating students and everyone knew where to sit and what to do. In the photo below, students file in and find their seats. Note a number of what Kurdistan might consider "mini-skirts"! There are so few of these special events which warrant dressing up.
While students, staff and guests filed in, they were entertained with a slide show of photos taken over the last two years. This was a big hit.
And finally, the receiving of certificates. While most of the young men were as dressed up as the girls (suits and even ties), H wore his usual... but he managed to make the VC laugh.
And after the ceremony was over and people were standing around talking and getting ready to go, some students were already in the library uploading their photos to Facebook. One girl loaded her photos under the heading, "One of the best days of my life"! I only find it strange in retrospect that so few students purchased the special Access Class of 2009 T-shirts that Dk printed up.
Despite a relatively short period for planning, the whole event went off without any glitches. Seats near the stage were reserved for the graduating students and everyone knew where to sit and what to do. In the photo below, students file in and find their seats. Note a number of what Kurdistan might consider "mini-skirts"! There are so few of these special events which warrant dressing up. 
While students, staff and guests filed in, they were entertained with a slide show of photos taken over the last two years. This was a big hit. 
And finally, the receiving of certificates. While most of the young men were as dressed up as the girls (suits and even ties), H wore his usual... but he managed to make the VC laugh. 
And after the ceremony was over and people were standing around talking and getting ready to go, some students were already in the library uploading their photos to Facebook. One girl loaded her photos under the heading, "One of the best days of my life"! I only find it strange in retrospect that so few students purchased the special Access Class of 2009 T-shirts that Dk printed up.
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