Graduation from Optometry School

James graduated from optometry school!!!  May 16-17th, 2014.  It was so amazing they had to hold 2 ceremonies to contain all the awesomeness.  

The first ceremony was a "hooding" ceremony.  This was just for the College of Optometry students.  Well, each college had their own hooding ceremonies.

The students are presented with their doctoral robes, or hoods at this time.  The hoods are just handed to the students, they aren't allowed to wear them yet.  

The seafoam green color is unique to the optometry program and the red color represents Pacific University.   

 

This is also when awards are presented to the optometry students.  Awards such as the Dean's Award, the BSK Silver Medal Award, and the BSK Exceptional Research Award.  That last one, was the one James was given!  

James receiving his plaque for his Exceptional Research award.  

These are the guys James went through school with.  They studied together, quizzed each other, supported each other, stressed out with each other, and I'm sure they will miss each other now that everyone has gone in different directions.  

It was kind of a bittersweet day.  It was the first time we had seen many of our friends for months.  We were all reunited after being gone on various rotations.  It was great to see everyone again, but we also knew it would be short-lived.  

 The next day, (Saturday, May 17th 2014) was the big day.  

James was presented with his Doctor of Optometry hood.  This time he got to wear it. 

Shaking hands with Dean Smythe, Dean of Optometry. 

Receiving his diploma from the president of the university.  

Coming down the ramp, to the photographers.  He peaked in his diploma to make sure it was really there. 

One of his professors saw him do this and shouted, "Don't worry.  It's really there!"  That got a great smile out of James.  

 Doctor James Sharp, with his diploma!  

We were all so excited for James!  It has been a long time coming.  James has worked so long and so hard for this degree.  We were all ready for this day!!!

James had to return to his seat then, and we had to wait patiently for the ceremony to end.  So this picture above, is of the first time the kids are seeing James after he graduated.  

They ran to him and hugged him and congratulated him.  The kids are so proud of their dad.  

I'm actually glad the kids were a little older when James went through optometry school.  They were able to see how much James studied and how dedicated he was to school and learning.  He's a great example for the children to follow.  

Logan already looks up to James, now he's just bursting with pride. 

James really does deserve this diploma.  He loves seeing patients and he's going to be a great doctor.  We are so proud of him!!!

I am so proud of you, James!  I love you!