CUA Law Commencement

Catholic University Law School had its Commencement exercises today, and I sketched the proceedings while sitting at the back of the stage in my cap and gown. This was perhaps a tad risky, as I was using pen and ink-wash, and it would have been bad to mess up my nice robes! But it went smoothly.

Commencement takes place in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Here's a look at the Basilica, and the graduates and their families seated in the church.

Geoff Watson, "Commencement in the Basilica," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 5," 2018.

This was the student speaker, Kwambina Ishmael Kyre-Martin Coker. Mr. Coker was in my Contracts class in his first year; he's a great guy, and his speech was one of the best student speeches I've ever heard. He has an inspiring life story.

Geoff Watson, "Kwambina Ishmael Kyre-Martin Coker," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 4," 2018.

The main Commencement speaker was The Hon. Brett M. Kavanaugh, a well-regarded judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Judge Kavanaugh gave a thoughtful and down-to-earth speech. 

Geoff Watson, "The Hon. Brett Kavanaugh," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.

Commencement

Today my son graduated from The Catholic University of America at its 129th Commencement ceremony!  Because I'm on the faculty at Catholic, I had the honor of greeting my son on stage and handing him his diploma.  That was great!  

Also, the theme of the ceremony was remarkable.  It was about immigration, and about welcoming.  First the University awarded several honorary degrees to immigrants from Cuba, Syria, Pakistan, Italy, and Lebanon.  Then we heard from the main speaker, Archbishop Jose Gomez, who spoke movingly of immigration's role in American history and culture.  President John Garvey described a painting he hangs in his home that welcomes guests, and he urged graduates to welcome guests into their own lives.  And one of the closing speakers quoted Emma Lazarus: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."   

I brought my sketchbook but forgot a writing implement.  My new best friend from the Drama Department loaned me a pen, and I drew the sketch below with it.  I'm pleased with it, though I got hot and tired by the time I reached the right half of the page, and my vertical lines there wandered off in the wrong direction.  Still and all, the picture captures the essence of the thing.  Hats off to CUA for a great Commencement! 

Geoff Watson, "Catholic University Commencement, 2018," pen on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.

Honors Convocation

Today The Catholic University of America held its Honors Convocation for graduating students -- including my son!  The event took place in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  I wore my red academic robes, processed in with the faculty, and got a nice front-row seat.  I had my handy sketchbook with me, so in between applauding and cheering, I did some drawing!  I hope to do more of the same tomorrow at Commencement.

Geoff Watson, "Honors Convocation at The Catholic University of America," mechanical pencil on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.