Graduation Relocation Proposed and Rejected

by Nalina Shapiro
edited by Erica Jordan

Franklin Pierce University officials rejected a proposal from 2010 Student Government Associations’s President Justin Sultzbach, to change the location of this years graduation ceremony from DiGregorio, citing safety concerns as one reason.

Sultzbach wanted to give families who attended this years graduation a better view, while they sit through the long, often hot ceremony. He proposed the idea to Franklin Pierce Officials hoping to convince FPU’s President Dr. Birdge, who made the final decision.

“I wanted to give people a more aesthetically pleasing view during the ceremony,” said Sultzbach. There is a great view of Mount Monadnock from the Pierce lot by the tennis courts, that’s where I wanted to move it to.”

But on Tuesday, February 23, a decision was made not to move the location. Patricia Garrity, Director of Marketing and Communication, released a statement on behalf of the university.

“Justin’s suggestion of moving the location to the Bubble parking lot was reviewed and it was determined that once the platform canopy was erected, most of the graduation audience would not be able to see Mount Monadnock from their seat, ” said Garrity.

She went on to add that safety issues were a main concern the university had.

“The traffic flow would be unworkable because the arena near the bubble would not allow for a free flowing circle of vehicles. The parking lot itself is sloped to such a severe degree that it might cause problems for the elderly or those in a wheelchair.”

Garrity also was concerned that if it rained, water could flow through the chairs and collect at the platform, causing drainage issues. Stuart Mitchell, Director of Campus Safety, also said safety concerns came to mind.

“I think it would create a problem moving people around campus and I believe using the road by the bubble along the tree line would be illegal to use, “said Mitchell.

He also said if a fire truck or ambulance needed to drive around campus the ceremony would create a road block, which would create another safety concern.

While Sultzbach said Dr. Birge’s administrative assistant Ron Hammond delivered the news his proposal was rejected, he still appreciated that it was taken into consideration with an open mind.

“Dr. Hammond explained to me that from a logistical standpoint moving commencement to an alternative location had more minuses than pluses,” said Sultzbach.

Other students supportive of Sultzbach proposal think there is a chance for more negotiating. Phil Labreck, Pierce Council student representative said, “It needs to be realized that the current venue is not up to students expectations for a college graduation.”

Labreck said past graduates complained about having the commencement at the DiGregorio parking lot by the baseball field. On the other hand, Garrity claimed the current venue is a beautiful location for graduates and their families to celebrate.

“The procession from Pierce Hall across the lawn overlooking the pond and down the drive by the iconic tree was spectacular,” said Garrity. “Families and staff took advantage of of the opportunities to take pictures and offer their congratulations along the way.”

Past years, graduates and their families posed for pictures on the front lawn and the Mount Monadnock side area of the courtyard. Garrity said the university wants to make the ceremony as beautiful and memorable as possible.