The Pipers

You'll forgive me for dwelling on the subject of graduation, but June has certainly been the month for them here on Midwestern University's Glendale Campus. In today's blog, though, I want to focus on one specific part of our graduation ceremonies - the bagpipers.

Bagpipe music is something of an acquired taste, but the skirl of a bagpipe has always had a special place in my heart. As a high-schooler I went on a student ambassador trip to Scotland and fell in love with the country. Then, in college, one of my friends was a music major who played the pipes. Some of my finest memories from my university life involve quiet evenings on the quad, listening to my friend playing "Amazing Grace" or some other traditional tune.

Midwestern University employs pipers for both the graduate processional and recessional. The processional in particular is breathtaking. At the head of the student lines, two white-shirted, kilt-wearing pipers lead the graduates into the auditorium to the strains of "Scotland the Brave." The sight of over 100 new graduates, clad in black robes, caps, and tassels marching slowly behind the pipers as the skirl rolls across the plaza gives me goosebumps every time I see it.

Our "key piper" in Arizona is Michael McClanathan, an impressive-looking fellow with long white hair who has 45 years of experience on the pipes. His instrument was crafted in 1880 in Edinburgh and has a rich, mellow sound that is very rarely heard from more modern pipes. So when he marches at the head of the graduate line in his traditional garb, you forget that you're standing in 100 degree heat for a short while. You can almost imagine yourself standing in the sun on the heath with ancient castles on the hill behind you.

Adding bagpipers to the commencement ceremonies may be a small touch for some, but the gravitas and touch of tradition they add to the proceedings is significant. It is one more way that Midwestern University makes graduation a moment to remember.