It's Official--With all the Pomp and Circumstance

Steve officially graduated over the weekend (complete with honours). It was fantastic. Steve's Grandma Williams flew from Utah, my parents drove from Wichita, and Steve's parents (plus, Thomas, Heidi, Heather, Reagan, and Scarlett) all came too. Since Steve didn't walk for his Masters in Illinois, we thought that maybe he should do it this time, since he will never be going to school EVER AGAIN! (Well, at least as a student, I guess technically he will be going to school for the rest of his life--as a professor).

These pictures are taken after the doctoral hooding ceremony

So here he is. Let me introduce to you: Dr. Stephenson Beck


I actually like this picture better. Without the dorky hat, and the look on his face--well, he just looks so relieved.


Steve and his wonderful advisor Joann Keyton. I can't say enough good things about this woman. She has been the best advisor for Steve. Always determined to push him to write better and submit more publications, and always determined to make him graduate so he wouldn't be the "eternal student." It worked. Steve finished in 3 years instead of 4--Joann I'M ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO YOU!!!


The whole gang:


Finally it's OVER!