Well, the weekend finally arrived where Doug was going to graduate from Georgetown!!! Yeah!!!! Most of the Luccio family flew or drove in. Thursday afternoon, I picked up John and Margaret from National and later on in the evening, Doug picked up Brian and Laura. Thursday night was a quite evening. I took off for my riding lessons shortly after I dropped John and Margaret at the house. I fully expected everyone to be done with dinner by the time I came back but they hadn't even started! So, we sat down to a very late dinner and then headed to bed.

Friday morning arrived and Kara and Steve flew in from Florida. Once they got to our house, everyone piled into cars and we took off for a tour of the Georgetown campus. Since we missed the last guided tour, we did the self lead one by taking turns reading about the history of the campus and the various building. Of course, this was all caught on tape if you want to see it ;) Lunch found us at The Tombs, gracefully hosted by Kara and Steve. A quick shopping expedition on M and Wisconsin Streets and then back to the house to change for dinner. Dinner was at 1789 which is the year Georgetown was founded. The restaurant sits on the edge of the campus itself. Dinner was excellent if I do say so myself. Brian and Laura provided the wine from Ponzi which was greatly appreciated. After dinner, we headed to the Campagna Center for the Annual Scotch Tasting event. Unfortunately, we got there later in the evening then I anticipated and we also found out that the distributors went down from last years 11 to this years 4. Not much scotch to taste :( Then it was back to the house and we called it a night.

Saturday dawned and we were joined by Veronica, Kelly and Cody who drove down from PA. Into cars we got and headed to Georgetown for the commencement exercise. I'll let Doug write something about that because I know he has lots to say ;)

After graduation, it was back to the house where we met up with Denise who had driven down from Boston. Dinner was finally served and there were toasts all around. It was fun to have the house full of Luccio's.

Sunday everyone went to church and then came back to the house (except Kara and Steve who had to fly back for work). Sunday afternoon was spent differently for different people. Veronica went running, Laura and Brian went to Old Town, Bethany cooked, etc... Dinner Sunday night was fun and we stayed up late after dinner being silly.

Monday morning came and off we went for a tour of the House side of the Capitol. One of Doug's classmates works for the Congressman from Oklahoma and arranged for us to have a tour. For lunch, we went to Pannera Bread Company and shortly there after everyone took off for their respective homes.

....Thanks Bethany...I'll add a couple comments to the Blog......Love Doug

Howdy Folks....its Doug here adding on to Bethany's comments....particularly the part about the commencement ceremony.  It was beautiful.  Not too long, like some events I've been to.  The graduates assembled in the Old North Building for a brief rehearsal.  The Conference room in the Old North Building was where our journey began.  Open House events as well as the interviews were conducted here.  The Dean of the School of Business has his office just down the hall way.  Old North Room 205....check it out if you are ever  on campus.

This was a great opportunity for students to say farewell to each other.  After the graduation we would have families to share our excitement with.  We were all humored by the colorful costume like garb that the professors wore.  The PHDs all wore a robe that elegantly showcased the colors of their Alma Matter.  Specifically, the degree granting school that sponsored their Doctoral program.  Dr Bies from Stanford had a rich Crimson and Champagne robe, Dr McCabe had a Distinguished Red and Black one from Cornell and there were several others.  Of note was Dr Holtom...he had a rich royal purple with gold for his efforts from the University of Washington.  As we waited for everyone to assemble the university registrar gave a quick class on the distinction of graduate robes.  As a Graduate student you had a more elaborate black robe and a hood to represent the University.  The Robes that the PHDs wore were most impressive due to their "penultimum level accomplishments" 

Everyone assembled and we walked down the stairs into the Dahlgren Chapel Quadrangle.  Beaming smiles, hugs, hand shakes and pats on the back ensued....we started with 48 students, 43 of us were now graduating.  I was soaking it all up.  This was a life dream.  Graduate from Georgetown University.  I have only a handful of dreams, but this was the biggest regret I had in life....not applying here as an undergraduate.  I loved this last year...30 graduate credits later....a burdon that would be difficult without working, but after enduring 70-80 hour work weeks I was exhausted.  I deprived myself sleep, proper diet and exercise.  I was so tired I could only do my homework well.  I graduated with honors with a 3.9 GPA.  Credentials that will certainly help me get that PHD some day so I can be a professor like so many of these great role models who taught me this year.

We walked through the back door of Healy Hall...one of the original structures of the campus....a beautiful gothic building that has an impressive bell tower; it was named for Dr Healy, who was the first Black University President.  The building named in his honor was actually one of the final designs for the Library of Congress.  Spring and Fall Semesters were conducted in here.  Our Summer Semester classes were held in the "Car Barn", which is where the Business School is kept.  I reflected on the friends I have made, the things I have learned and how surreal this feels.  I remember walking at the OSU graduation and the processing had several thousand students.  That was fun, but this time it almost feels like a sacred walk through the halls of something truly special.  Undergraduate graduation was fun, but this feels prestigious and full of history.  The Halls I am walking through have educated students for almost 220 years.    Up the stairs to Gaston Hall, I had heard of this place, but hadn't been to it.  Directly above the University President's office is this rich, heavily carved oak hall with the crests of all Jesuit Schools at the time of the building's completion.  Stained glass in multiple corners.  As we walked through the back of the Hall I saw my good friends Ian and Danielle.  As I looked to the right I noticed that the Luccio contingent had procured very good seats.  I was proud of them.  I wanted them to enjoy today as much as I was going to.  Standing there was awesome.

RFK's oldest child, a Georgetown Grad herself, Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend was our guest speaker.  She talked about doing what's right no matter what the consequences.  The class elected Jackie Scott to be our student speaker.  Raised in New Jersey she had been told by her guidance counselor to not bother applying to Georgetown because as an afro-american, she should apply to traditionally black schools.  She would never get into Georgetown.  Jackie took that advice and DISREGARDED it.  She not only was accepted at Georgetown, but completed here undergraduate and Law Degrees from Georgetown.  As a University Law Professor, she made time for this Executive Masters in Leadership Program.  This inspirational story wasn't given on graduation day, but at one of our final classes, she shared this information with us. 

She told a story about a young karate student and his sensei.  The Sensei demanded an explanation of the meaning of the black belt before he would award it.  The response was "It is a reward for all my hard work"....the sensei, not satisfied sent him away and said come back in one year and try again.   The martial artist returned, humbled, yet still anxious  "Sensei"...he said "This is a symbol of excellence, the top of my profession...the end of a long and difficult journey"   The Sensei bowed his head and again said..."reflect for one more year"  When the young man returned he humbled himself even more and said "Sensei....this black belt represents the beginning.  With this knowledge I have an obligation to do something worthwhile with it...here I begin."  Satisfied the Sensei gave the man his belt and said "and now my son, you are ready..."

Jackie's story gave us all something to think about...we've worked hard.....but what now?  This is only the beginning.

As we were each hooded by Dr McCabe, we then filed outside for a group picture in front of Healy Hall.  One last group photo.  On the way back inside I had some picture's taken with Bethany who was taking Cody and Kelly Capper home to help get things ready for dinner.  I next moved up to Riggs Library, which is the old library and now just houses leather bound editions.  Impressive Brass rails protect the 4 levels in this impressive tower.  Here I had a chance to show off my family to my professors and classmates...and vice versa.  It was wonderful.  We carpooled back to the house and my sister Denise joined us.  It was wonderful to have so many family members there. 

As I now sit here on vacation after a couple weeks of resting, I feel charged back up.  I need to answer that call.  Just like Jackie said....this is only the beginning....

Well, since Doug finally posted some of the photos, I will write the trip report. Laura Rauch is Doug's cousin on his Mom's side. Laura's Mom and Doug's Mom are sisters. Laura is a fantastic person and a darn good photo journalist who met another photo journalist while covering a boxing match in Las Vegas. One thing led to another and then they got married. As Laura completed a Fellowship at Standford University and as John proposed in San Francisco, they decided they would get married there though they both live in Las Vegas.

 

Doug and I flew in Friday afternoon and Doug immediately joined up with the group for the rehearsal at the Stanford University Chapel. While Doug was doing that, I checked out the neighborhood and unpacked. We stayed at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel right on Union Square. It is a great location. After the rehearsal was over, I joined Doug for dinner with the rehearsal group at Morton's Steak House. All I can say about Friday night is "what a night!" We sat a table with some friends of John and Laura and I immediately felt welcomed because it turns out that John grew up in Shorewood. Shorewood is a suburb of Milwaukee and of course we knew a lot of the same places and were able to compare notes. It was a fun and goofy table. There were many toasts that night and a great time was had by all. We were wondering how the actual reception could possibly top the incrediable food and drink and company of the rehearsal dinner. After dinner, Doug and I stumbled into Borders. That was a big oooops because as you know, Doug and I find it hard to resist books. After we stocked up for the air plane ride home, we headed back to the hotel.

 

Since we were still on east coast time, Doug and I woke up pretty early Saturday and went exploring. I stumbled onto the local Lush store purely by smell. It was pretty funny. We were walking along and I looked at Doug and said, "doesn't it smell like Lush?" I kept sniffing the air and found my way to the Lush store! It was closed but Doug said that was a good thing ;) After walking around for awhile, we found a little place for breakfast. Apparentlyit is a very well known place and we got there just before the rush. Supposedly they are known for their pancakes so we tried some of those. Of course now I can't remember the name of the place but it's right across the street from the hotel. \

 

While Doug was off getting a manicure, I found my way back to Lush and had a grand time. Then it was back to the hotel to shower and change and head off to the ceremony. The chapel at Stanford is very pretty and very popular. As we arrived, another wedding party was exiting and as we exited, another wedding party came in... It was like a revolving marriage door ;) Doug and I took a tour around the building and ran into Aunt Barbara with her daughter Cindy and her husband who live near by. I always appreciate getting to meet more of the family. This time on the Weber side. In additon, right before the ceremony, I finally got to meet the allusive Uncle Norm. I seriously thought he didn't really exist but now I know he really does! 

 

John and the groomsmen came out and then the bridesmaids came down the aisle. It was a good looking bridal party and I liked the fact that the bridesmaids got choose the style of their own dress. They all wore the same colour though. Laura's bridal gown was exquisite! Absolutely fab gown! The ceremony was really nice as it was officiated by both the Catholic priest and Laura's cousin who is a Dominican nun. She gave one of the best stories about marriage and how John and Laura came together. Since it was so close to I forget what (but it had to do with the desert and "what did you come to the desert to find") she used the parable of the desert and how John and Laura had both moved to Las Vegas and found each other.  It was really very touching.

 

After the wedding, it was back to the hotel for the reception. I was most excited about this because cocktail hour was to be held at the Starlight on top of the Sir Francis Drake. For all you old movie buffs out there, you will recognize the Starlight room because that is where all the service men took their dates or met new girls right before they shipped out during WWII. I was SO looking forward to being up there. It's a really beautiful space but as we came back on the last bus, cocktail hour was over shortly after we got there. I was glad though that I had the oppportunity to be there. Doug was in his dress blues but we forgot to get a picture of the two of us. :( Then it was on to the dinner reception which was also very nice. I had a chance to chat more with Doug's cousins and Aunts and Uncle Norm again. Sheila is looking fabulous with her baby bump and new husband. Can't wait to visit Dallas and see Jill with her new baby. Jill is due in Januray and sheila I think is due in February? I also got to meet Stacy who lives close to San Francisco and the wine country - we will definately have to visit more often!! ;)  The last Smallwood I have yet to meet is Rick but he was in Singapore during the wedding.  Doug and I continued to meet and catch up with more family and then soon it was time for bed. But wait, we weren't tired so we headed up to the Starlight room. It was pretty crowded though so we went downstairs and joined Laura's cousins from her Dad's side for some vino and family history. Turns out that Laura's dad's side of the family is very Irish so I was able to compare notes with family history. My Mom's paternal side is from County Kerry and had a ton of fun telling me Kerry jokes. (Apparently, being from County Kerry in Ireland is a bit like being from Poland - lots of dah jokes ;)) Soon, all the wine was gone and off to bed we went.

 

Sunday morning dawned and Doug went to church with his Mom while I headed off to the Fisherman's Wharf Chapel with Doug's Dad for Latin Mass. The chapel was on one of the piers and so incrediable tiny! There were six pews total. However, there were like nine priests. I didn't get it but they did the chanting thing which was very nice to listen to. After the Mass, John ran into some friends that he had met at a Fatma Convention in Washington. The family was originally from the San Francisco area and had taken the opportunity over Thanksgiving weekend to visit. Talk about a small world!

 

We all joined up back at the hotel where we changed and headed off to explore. We stopped at the Marine Corps Club but they were closed for lunch so we had lunch at a restaurant in Chinatown. First though, we stopped at Nike Town so John could pick up his free gift that he read about in one of the travel magazines. It pretty much rained the whole afternoon and so we were quite soaked by the time we made it back to the hotel for John and Margaret to pick up their luggage and head to SFO. Doug and I dried off a bit but then headed back to Chinatown for a little shopping. First thing we bought was water resistant jackets! Much better!!! Back to the hotel to drop off the packages and then we headed to the Wharf for dinner and to check out Ghiradelli Square at night. Monday morning dawned early and we headed back to the airport for the journey cross country.

 

Much thanks to Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol for giving us their trolley pass! We got a lot of use out of it on Sunday. Also, thanks to Laura and John for inviting us to share in their wedding. You guys are awesome! Hope you had a good time in Italy on your honeymoon. (believe it or not, Laura had never been to Italy before - who would have thunk it!)