Lindell and I are very proud of our daughter Ann Elizabeth Riddle as she has received her Master of Arts, Political Science along with a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Villanova University.
Fortunately, the predicted 100% chance of rain held off during the outside ceremony (although very windy and definite loud booms of thunder sometimes drowned out speakers).
As there were some 2,500 graduates, the Friday afternoon event organizers simply had each student stand as they were recognized.
Back of Masters in Political Science Department "ivory-white hood" (each department has different colors - in two years when Sparky receives her second Villanova Masters Degree which will be in Public Administration, she will wear a "peacock blue hood") along with the special Master's Degree Gown with "wings" as shown on right at link and immediately below...
Unfortunately, the Saturday Graduation Ceremony specifically for Masters Degree recipients was scheduled to take place on the football field as well - it got rained out! So there was a last minute scramble to re-organize as an indoor ceremony.
Here is "Sparky" Ann Elizabeth Riddle walking across the stage for recognition...
Due to health issues Lindell was unable to attend the graduation ceremonies, however Sparky's grandma, my mother did. The rain let up for a little while later on so three generations of women in my family - each of whom have now achieved Masters Degrees in their respective fields - took a campus tour together...
Two of Sparky's Hiram College townhouse roommates Ashley and Deanna drove over 9 hours from Ohio to Villanova to acknowledge our daughter's accomplishment! Sparky was happy they were able to share her very special day.
(They plan to fly to Villanova in 2020 for Sparky's next graduation!)
Sparky will be staying on at Villanova to achieve her second Masters which will be in "Public Administration with a Certificate in City Management" in the Villanova 2020 Graduating Class. The Department of Political Science Chair, Dr. Catherine Wilson is just one of the professors that are happy to encourage Sparky in continuing her education.
In the meantime, Sparky will be serving an internship this summer for an important non-profit organization in Philadelphia and she will be taking additional courses at Villanova over the summer as well.
Congratulations Sparky! Stay engaged in what you believe in! Those like you have the knowledge and power to affect positive change in our society! Your mom and dad have good cause to be very proud of you!
Congratulations Sparky, you made your family proud, including your IHC185 family. Keep up the great work, we look forward to hearing about your future progress.
Great going, Sparky. Mom and Dad and all of us here on 185 are very proud of you. Heck, I'm so old I can remember when you were a little kid on here. Keep up the good work. Brian C.
Sparky has been intensely researching two different topics for her internship at the non-profit organization as well as working on projects for classes.
She has read your nice comments and will comment in the coming days.