College commencement, then and now.(THE LAST LAUGH)

In May I was delighted to witness the graduations of three students, two women getting bachelor's degrees in English and the history of science, and a young man getting a master's degree in educational leadership and policy analysis. They were graduating from my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, so of course the familiar songs, names and school colors evoked scenes from four decades ago, when I got BA and MA degrees.

I was surprised by contrasts between the ceremonies in 2008 and 1966, two different generations and contrasting reflections of women in the academy.

Let's party!

2008 At the Mother's Day dinner, we learned that the young man was not scheduled to have a celebratory party, so we women quickly organized one for the next Friday evening, before the weekend ceremonies. A geek sent out email invitations, I offered my condo as the place and a mom brought the food and drink. (I got off easy, having already cleaned it for my tennis team's party.)

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

It was a great party, with about 40 stopping in. I confess, about 10 of them were invited to party with us of the pvrevious generation; we escaped to the deck while the graduate and his friends hung out close to the music and food.

1966 Mother came for graduation. There was no party. Graduation day was also my birthday, June 6. And it was very hot and humid and my hair frizzed up terribly!