Free and open to the public, St. John’s College’s graduation (on May 11 at 10:30 a.m. on the front campus) is simple and rich with tradition. Eva Brann, the college’s longest-serving tutor, will carry the ceremonial mace, an ornamental staff borne as a symbol of authority, when she leads the procession of faculty and students on the tree-lined front walk to the graduation site. There on the front campus a handful of prizes and honorable mentions will be awarded before each student receives a diploma and is congratulated by President Christopher B. Nelson.

At this Great Books liberal arts college, the seniors select the speaker, rather than the administration. Can you imagine? Less politics involved, I’ll bet you. This year St. John’s seniors chose Bruce Cole, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, for their ceremony.

The festivities are next to the 30-foot tall poplar oak, planted in 2007 and a gift from last year’s senior class to replace the former Liberty Tree that succumbed to old age and weather. Its passing was a sad day, and all rejoiced when a new tree was planted next to where the old had stood. After diplomas are awarded, a reception features strawberries and cream as well as champagne. There seems to be a theme here on food/drink?