Black Stewart Graduation

[Eujeankilt]

I was in Portland today to see my older daughter graduate from Western Culinary Institute and decided to wear my new SWK Black Stewart. I also got a chance to try out my new sporran as well (first one). I wore them with cream hose, a cream shirt and a charcoal grey wool suit coat. (Camera with pics are in the trunk of my inlaw's car. I will try to post a few tomorrow).

It was held at the Portland Convention Center. Before the ceremony got under way, I was standing in the lobby waiting for my father-in-law to return from the loo and a man walked out of the ballroom toward me. I thought I heard the word "kilt". He made eye contact and approached me. In a bit of a brouge(sp) he said "that's a Stewart, a Black Stewart". I said that, yes, it was as he vigorously shook my hand, then asked were I was from. I replied, from Eugene. He said that was his family, Stewart.

It turns out he grew up in Glasgow and moved to Edinburgh as a lad. He emmigrated to the US in the 60's. He asked me if I played the pipes and I answered, no, but I just bought a practice set on eBay. He proceeded to pull out a picture of his son in full kilted (Black Stewart) splendor, with a winsome lass on his arm, from a prom or formal dance. I mentioned that a great aunt of mine was born in Bathgate, and he became more animated, telling me he had friends in Bathgate, which was down the road from him. He said his son was graduating too and had asked to wear a kilt in the graduation, but the school wouldn't let him. We chatted for a few more minutes and he had to run. He pumped my hand again and said bye.

I could tell that he was proud to see someone in his family tartan on a day that was all about family. I was sure proud of my daughter up there. She's had a tough row to hoe, subject to a few tough love episodes.

We ended the evening with dinner and tipping a few pints to the graduate - it doesn't get much better than this! :smile:

Dale, One Proud Papa

[Jewddha]

Always a good thing to hear! And congrats on your daughters graduation.

... He said his son was graduating too and had asked to wear a kilt in the graduation, but the school wouldn't let him...

As for that, they just released the results of a grad "vote" (one that I, and a number of grads were NOT informed of) stating that we will be graduating in caps and gowns, meaning I will likely NOT be allowed to wear at kilt at graduation (my sole excuse to get a USAK semit-trad.).

[bubba]

stating that we will be graduating in caps and gowns, meaning I will likely NOT be allowed to wear at kilt at graduation (my sole excuse to get a USAK semit-trad.).

Wear it under the gown. You ain't wearing the gown all night.

[yoippari]

Besides, you wouldn't want to go commando under the gown.

[Archangel]

As for that, they just released the results of a grad "vote" (one that I, and a number of grads were NOT informed of) stating that we will be graduating in caps and gowns, meaning I will likely NOT be allowed to wear at kilt at graduation (my sole excuse to get a USAK semit-trad.).

So, how strong is your connection to Scotland? I only ask to point you to http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/H/96210_01.htm and specifically section 8.1.

Things like "grad votes" are usually systemic discrimination. It looks good on paper but it eliminates many. Oh, and the powers that be suckered the peer group into making the decision for them. Aha, but the law requires the administration to administrate, sloughing it off doesn't count.

I won't be online for a few days so I'm putting more in here. The Scotland argument is weak (because it's not universal to Scots) but it can still work. Read the new rules and see how many other distinctives are forbidden. If so, then challenge the whole thing. There should be Human rights reps for the student body, the academic staff, and any union there, as well as the administration one. Have fun, but keep a straight face. You didn't go to university to be a victim to stupid.

Or am I reading this wrong, can you still wear the kilt under the gown? That would be okay, but it's worth looking to see who else has to surrender their dignity to wear the mortar. That's one of the beauties of the kilt, it has a history of prejudice and discrimination that we can learn from and share with a much abused world.

[Jewddha]

Of course a kilt UNDER wouldn't be an issue, but I think everyone graduating in the exact same clothes is bloody boring, I would take a dress kilt outfit over caps and gowns any day, I think it sets us apart, I know one grad class years ago had all the guys in formal kilt wear for the ceremony. And Archangel thanks, but it's gradding from High School, so we defintiely get much less leeway than I feel we should.

[Archangel]

Of course a kilt UNDER wouldn't be an issue, but I think everyone graduating in the exact same clothes is bloody boring, I would take a dress kilt outfit over caps and gowns any day, I think it sets us apart, I know one grad class years ago had all the guys in formal kilt wear for the ceremony. And Archangel thanks, but it's gradding from High School, so we defintiely get much less leeway than I feel we should.

there's that assuming thing again, sorry.
and no Human Rights if you're under 18.

[Jewddha]

No apology needed, just letting you know.

[Riverkilt]

What a great story Dale,

I'm sure you brought joy to your daughter as well.

But so cool you were able to cheer an expatriot Scotsman.


Jewddha,

Had visions of you first in your traditional cap and gown for the ceremony, then after the ceremony at the various celebrations wearing the graduation gown open like an Inverness cape.

Ron

[Jewddha]

Jewddha,

Had visions of you first in your traditional cap and gown for the ceremony, then after the ceremony at the various celebrations wearing the graduation gown open like an Inverness cape.

Ron

Well, my cousin IS known for apprehending the gown from her graduation and turning it into a ballroom dress, I may have to keep the family spirit alive and get myself one tailor-made cape ;)