Complaints About Commencement Locale Countered by Cost Concerns
by Christina Martin
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News
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Since Lehman's first graduating ceremony of 1969, the commencement ceremonies have always been held outdoors. Early ceremonies were held in the north field, until the Apex was built in that location. The ceremony was then moved to the south field, commonly known as the baseball field.
"I had no idea it was on the baseball field, indoors would be much better," said graduating senior Afiya Frances.
Edna Fernandez, now a graduate student, said of her graduation, "It's pretty nice, but I couldn't wear heels because of the dirt."
Every year more than 2,000 Lehman students graduate. Due to a storm in the early '80s, the ceremony was held in the Concert Hall, the largest venue on campus, which has a seating capacity of 2,310 people. It was considered by many to be a disaster because the hall was filled to capacity with only the graduates, and their guests were waiting outside.
Former Lehman President Leonard Lief said he would never hold the graduation there again. Surprisingly, it has never rained on the ceremony since moving to the south field, but there is always a possibility of inclement weather, in which case the graduates and the guests will be provided with ponchos.
Lehman has no senior dues. In order for graduation to be indoors, students would have to pay those fees. Some CUNY schools, such as Baruch and Kingsborough, pay senior dues because they do not have space for the ceremony and therefore must fund indoor venues. Lehman is one of the few CUNY schools with enough space on campus for a commencement ceremony.
"It's very expensive to put together a commencement," said Vincent Zucchetto, executive assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs. As for the ceremony on the holding on the baseball field he reasoned, "The campus is beautiful and the experience is something that can't be created indoors."
There are no restrictions on tickets, allowing students to invite whomever they want. At some other schools, students are given only two tickets. Another convenience at Lehman is that those needing to take the public transportation can use the nearby train or buses, and there is parking for people who drive.
Senior Ingrid Malone took the long view, "I really don't mind it being on the field, I am still graduating."
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