The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree I got from Marquette University in 1963 “opened the door” to a lifetime of career choices. That was 50 years ago. I just received an invitation to the Marquette alumni banquet to celebrate with my friends. Fiends? What friends? I was busy starting a family, hustling for money and trying to get good grades. Getting “wasted” over the weekend at the college fraternity was not part of my universe.
The Marquette graduation was held at the “Arena” in downtown Milwaukee. It consisted of thousands of graduates strategically seated on the floor of the Arena with friends and family around the perimeter and in the balconies. The colors blue and gold (University colors) were everywhere.
I remember that your Mom attended (we had been married 3 years at that point) along with George and Lyla (Nana), my mother Alice and my younger brother Jack along with his new bride Mary Ann.
When I walked across the stage to graduate, I didn’t get a diploma. I received the leather “jacket” that is supposed to hold the official diploma. It was blank on the inside. The diploma is actually mailed to your home. I remember thinking that even though I had been recognized as a graduate at the ceremony, it wasn’t official until I got the degree in my grubby little hands. I think it took 2 weeks before the certificate arrived.
I was the first member of the family to get a college degree (4 year curriculum).
I was recruited by Allis-Chalmers in Milwaukee and began working as a sales engineer immediately. Having a full time job with cash flow was a good thing.
I immediately returned to Marquette get a Masters of Business Administration degree. I had to go at night. I skipped some semesters because of travel. For a lot of reasons, I eventually completed my MBA at the University of Oshkosh with honors. It took 15 years to eventually get my Masters but this year marks the 35th anniversary of that event. The graduation ceremony was at the Kolf Center in Oshkosh. Family members attending were your Mom, George and Nana and I think my Mom. In addition I think all Grasshoppers were there except Grasshopper No.5. She was only 7 months old at the time.
I was the first in my family to get an “advanced” degree.
To finish off the “milestones”, this year marks 55 since graduating high school.
There you have it. Three numbers that might make a good bet on this weeks lotto ticket. 50 years. 35 years. 55 years.
It is interesting to note that your Mom has been there with me every step of the way.
Love,
Dad