After years at Ohio State, graduates only have one more assignment – wait in line outside of St. John Arena for tickets for graduation.
Today was the first day tickets were made available to graduates, and many took advantage of the good weather to get their tickets.
“It’s not that hot,” said Diane Kearns, a graduating senior in human ecology. “I feel sorry for the people coming this afternoon.”
Kearns had been in line for one hour, and was waiting on four tickets.
Kearns said she attended OSU in 1973 for one year, and returned 25 years later.
“I didn’t want to go,” Kearns said. “I just wanted to get it (diploma) in the mail and have the party.”
Martha Reissig, Kearn’s mother, who graduated from OSU 52 years ago, said she wanted to see her graduate, and even offered to wait in line with her daughter.
“When you have a lot of support, you want to go through it and have them see you,” Kearns said.
Kevin Anderson, a graduating senior in psychology, was entering the line for four tickets for his family.
“I can understand why because of the security,” Anderson said. “I think it is a bit ridiculous.”
Anderson’s family will be driving onto campus the morning of commencement from Sunbury, OH.
Melanie Ewing, a graduating senior in zoology, had been in line for 40 minutes and had moved about 50 feet.
Ewing needed 15 tickets, but she said her family had not decided on accommodations for the day yet.
Ewing said it was important to her mother to see the commencement celebration.
“It’s a $40,000 wait over four years,” Ewing said.
Julie Gonzi, a graduating senior in communications, was waiting 40 minutes for 12 tickets.
Gonzi said she was attending the graduation for her parents.
“It’s asinine they have to be here that early, to even suggest that,” Gonzi said.
Gonzi and Ewing said they do not think it will take long for guests to be seated for the graduation.
“It depends how many gates are open,” Ewing said.
