May 17, 2015
The board of Trustees of Willamette University upon the recommendation of the President and Faculty has conferred upon
Michael A. Mickelson
the degree of
Doctor of Jurisprudence
with all the rights, privileges, and honors pertaining thereto.
Every once in a while you luck out with just one of those absolutely perfect days.
Today was one of them.
Michael got up early to go to the school for pictures and to get ready with his class.
We got the girls all ready and headed to the school.
We lucked out with a parking spot right in front of the law building, and arrived just in time to see all the students standing outside the building in their robes taking pictures.
Graduation was taking place in a large tent outside in the middle of campus.
I mean how could it not, Willamette's campus is simply breathtaking.
We took our seats and waited anxiously for the ceremony to begin.
What happened next will be something I will never ever forget.
The sound of bagpipes were heard off in the distance and began to get louder and louder.
Soon we saw a group of bagpipe players marching across campus with the law school teachers and students following behind. Every one stood up. It wasn't long before we spotted Michael near the front, and that's when it hit me. Michael did it! He had accomplished something he had been dreaming about since he was little. All of our hard work suddenly seemed worth it.
They walked around the tent and then came up through the very center and took their seats in the front. (This whole time the bag pipers are playing).
It was incredible.
Simply unforgettable.
The ceremony began and it's hard for me to remember all that was said because all I could think about was giving Michael the biggest hug ever after it was over.
As part of graduation each student is hooded and gets to shake the Dean's hand, walk off the stage (all while professional photographers are taking pictures) and then walk around the audience and back up through the middle of the tent to their seat.
After the ceremony was over the students stood up and once again followed the bag pipers back through the center of the tent and around the campus to the law school.
I wish so badly I could put my feelings into words but it's just impossible.
But I will say, I could not be prouder of my Michael and everything he has done to get himself to this point. I am so grateful for Willamette University's law school. They truly are the best!
Now for some pictures!
The law building is absolutely gorgeous.
Michael's graduation picture.
The graduates entering the tent.
Olivia was so proud of her daddy that the second she saw him she ran up to give him the biggest hug!
I couldn't resist giving Michael's hand a quick squeeze as he passed us.
A little video of the graduates leaving the ceremony. If you look carefully you will see Michael pass by!
As the students were walking back to the school Olivia saw Michael and ran up to him so she could walk with him!
I mean seriously...I absolutely loved his robe!
Michael and one of his good friends Drew Starbuck.
Michael and his other good friend Ken Wolfley.
Michael with two of his favorite professors.
My heart just couldn't be any happier.
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