I have been reading the letters to the editor surrounding the controversy between the graduating class and the administration regarding the re-gilding of the dome. I have to say that I strongly support the students' point of view.
I vehemently disagree with the statement of Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves that graduation is not about the physical dome. You don't remember standing in front of it getting your picture taken. It will be 30 years this May since I stood in front of the dome to have my graduation picture taken with my parents and I vividly recall the event. That picture stands on my desk in my study. I look at it everyday and remember the moment.
Also, I remember the first time that I saw the dome as my parents and I drove off the Indiana Turnpike. Every time since I look for that same view when I go to Notre Dame. The physical dome symbolizes Notre Dame and what it means to be a Notre Dame graduate. Therefore, the meaning of graduation is very much symbolized and remembered by the physical dome and standing in front of it to have your picture taken with your family.
Patrick J. Kennedy
alumnus
class of 1975
April 1
