400 Chaminade students get degrees
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Shari Tracy has always been considered the "flake" of the family. But last night the flake became the first grandchild in her family to earn a college degree.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser
Tracy was one of 400 Chaminade University students who received degrees at commencement exercises at the Blaisdell Center Arena. The ceremony normally is held at the Concert Hall, but was moved next door because of the size of this year's class.
Cat Faust of Kailua holds up a poster of her friend Malia Santilla, who graduated with a master's degree in criminal justice administration at the 46th commencement for Chaminade University at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center last night.
Hundreds of well-wishers lined up hours before the gates opened at what resembled a "Star Wars" premiere. The crowd was so large officials had to open the upper levels.
The first in line were 20 members of Tracy's family who flew in from California and Washington to watch as Tracy received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
"We've been saving up for this one trip," said Sarahann Tracy, Shari's older sister. "I know that she's worked really hard for this graduation, and that's the reason we're here. But the vacation is a very good bonus."
Shari Tracy said she was thrilled to have so many of her family at the ceremony. "They flew across the Pacific Ocean. They're great," said the native of Spokane, Wash.
As she walked onto the stage, Tracy acknowledged her family with the "flake sign."
"You know the 'Loser' sign? We have the 'flake sign,' " she said. Tracy said she will go to graduate school at the University of Hawai'i and then UCLA law school before pursing a career as a juvenile justice judge.
Last night's ceremony featured cheers, tears and hundreds of lei. The loudest response from the crowd came near the end when Mercedes Hendrickson was awarded her master of pastoral theology degree.
Hendrickson declined to give her age, but the last time she attended her own graduation ceremony was in 1950 when she completed an education degree. She said she taught school for 37 years while taking college courses.
"I've had a full life — teaching, coaching, having a family. I kept going to school, but things always come up. But now I finally finished," Hendrickson said. "This class is just great. I love them."
W. Ryan Blosser earned his bachelor of arts in English last night and in his commencement address he challenged his fellow graduates to "wage a personal war against mediocrity."
"Mediocrity is wasting one half-hour on an episode of 'Friends' instead of spending one half-hour engaged in conversation with a friend. Mediocrity is watching pornography instead of making love to your spouse," Blosser said. "Live your life in a constant state of deliberation, transformation and celebration."
Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.
