Which songs come to mind when a group of students graduate from the Duke Environmental Leadership (DEL) Program?   If you ask around the office it might be Queen’s, “Another One Bites the Dust.”   If you ask some of the kids who attend the Nicholas School of the Environment’s recognition ceremony they might longingly think Alice Cooper’s, “School’s Out.”  If you were to ask one of the graduates from the Class of 2013, they might suggest Louis Armstrong’s, “What a Wonderful World.”  Whichever song conjures up the feeling of graduation, for the 13 graduating students of the Class of 2013, there was no song sweeter than, “The Pomp and Circumstance March,” which played for them on May 11 at the Nicholas School of the Environment’s Recognition Ceremony.

The last few days on campus for the students were bittersweet.  From presenting their final MPs in front of peers, staff, and faculty to a warm group embrace at the final leadership wrap-up.  There was no shortage of laughs, smiles, energy, and tears from the very closely bonded cohort.  Two very busy years came to an end in their last three days together.  Is it truly the end for this close knit group of friends?

Judging from the follow-up emails, wedding pictures, and continued good will from many of the grads, I don’t think we’ve heard the last from the Class of 2013.  Please join the faculty and staff of the DEL Program and wish the graduates continued success and happiness in all they do!