The Michigan Daily

I can remember as a child pulling on boots, mittens, snowpants and at least 20 other pounds of winter gear, making the journey to Ann Arbor and sitting outside for hours in the snowy weather as the scent of Wild Turkey whiskey wafted through the air - all to watch my first Michigan football game. This was my introduction to the University, the first encounter in my long and complicated relationship.

My family has been literally bred, born and raised maize and blue - my grandparents met as students here, as did my parents. Being the black sheep of the family, I wasn't so willing to accept this legacy simply because it was expected.

After freshman year at the University, I made the scandalous decision to transfer to Michigan State University. My family is Catholic but their true religious affiliation is Wolverine, and this decision was tantamount to breaking a sacred covenant. They came to accept and support my decision during my first semester in East Lansing, but in that same span of time I came to realize that I wanted to return.

I made this decision not simply because of tradition; I knew that here I would receive an education that has been heralded as one of the best in the country and the world. I didn't return simply because of our football (that relationship has been rocky at best). I knew that here I would have the chance to learn with students from across the world with infinitely unique and valuable perspectives to offer.

I am a Wolverine not simply because I was born to be; I am a Wolverine because I chose to be. I didn't return simply because I love Ann Arbor, this little hippie haven. I returned because, even though this school continues to kick my ass, I knew all the hard work would pay off that day I finally walked across the stage to accept my diploma in the Big House, the same place where the University and I first met.

But now I'm being told that that isn't going to happen.

My desire to graduate at Michigan Stadium has nothing to do with athletics. The place is iconic. It stands for something. For many, including myself, it represents a long and strong history that has always characterized the University. But more importantly it represents the tremendous struggle and accomplishment over the past years for graduating seniors. Our battle was fought here on this ground, not miles away on another campus. This is where we should graduate.

The death of Bo Schembechler last year and the retirement of football head coach Lloyd Carr this year has been a tremendous blow to the spirit of the football program because these two individuals truly represented Michigan football. Now, with commencement being moved from the Big House to another university's campus, I can't help wondering if the rest of the University is starting to follow suit. For this reason, I ask everyone --seniors, other undergraduates and the campus community at large - to join together to speak out against moving commencement. Show the University administration that being a Wolverine still means something.

Kate Truesdell is an LSA senior and a member of the Daily's editorial board.

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