I often get my fix of campus news reading The Hatchet online. I have been shocked in the last two weeks to see articles on Commencement that could have been written three years ago. I am amazed the administration has failed both to stop promoting the Ellipse as the site of Commencement ceremonies and to provide a suitable alternative.

I searched the online archives to find a letter I wrote to The Hatchet in 1997. The way I see this fiasco playing out, it could very well be written today.

Nov. 20, 1997 (New traditions) – Finally GW students are making their voices heard regarding an upcoming administrative ruling. Unfortunately, our means of protesting are so childish that they are unlikely to be taken seriously by the administration.

Instead of whining like two-year-olds about the proposal to reduce the cost of our Commencement ceremony, we should offer real alternatives and be willing to compromise regarding a backup plan. If we insist on having graduation on the Ellipse, we must be willing to have a far less than optimal poor-weather alternative (i.e. Lisner Auditorium and closed-circuit TV for the guests of graduates). The thought of renting out the MCI Center as a backup is ridiculous and unwarranted.

Furthermore, what’s so bad about the MCI Center as the primary site? In a historic section of our nation’s capital, the thought of having Commencement ceremonies here would be appreciated by many people who still graduate in their University’s auditorium, football field or gym.

Although I have eagerly anticipated and flaunted the fact that I would be graduating on the White House’s back yard, I was never promised that this would be the case. Surely it was touted in the promotional videos and brochures by GW, but this is not a contract signed by the University. Furthermore, the placement of Commencement ceremonies is not the only reason I came to GW, its academics are.

Do I want to graduate on the Ellipse? Obviously. Was it promised to me prior to deciding to come here? No. Will any alternative lessen the joy I will feel knowing that I am completing a major step in life and will never have to go into Rice Hall again? Impossible!

Therefore, we must be willing to compromise and engage in a constructive dialogue with the University if we are to save any hope of have a dignified Commencement ceremony.

-The writer is a 1998 GW graduate.