Graduation Day

After 4 years of hard(?) work, my son, Alexander, and his 7 roommates all had graduated today. The graduation ceremony was held at the "The Big House", and the speaker for the commencement was Larry Page, Google co-founder and University of Michigan alumnus.

However, the most impression was made by George Dong who made remarks on behalf of graduating class. George arrived here from China with a minimum command in English, but after graduating from Michigan, he will be teaching English to children in Chicago. George’s speech was humorous, well delivered, and well received.

Most of all, Alexander and his 7 roommates will move on with their lives with aspiration of becoming lawyer, opera singer, engineer, physicist, human rights activist, and environmentalist.

For some of you who does not know what “The Big House” is, let me provide you with a short introduction.

“The Big House” is nickname for Michigan Stadium, the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium has often been called "The Carnegie Hall of all Sports" . It was built in 1927, at a cost of $950,000 and had an original capacity of 72,000. Today, Michigan Stadium has an official capacity of 106,201, due to renovations for the 2008 season. The stadium previously had a capacity of 107,501 spectators. The football game attendance often exceeds 111,000 when band members, stadium staff, and others are added. The largest crowd in NCAA college football history was 112,118 on November 22, 2003 for a game against Ohio State.

Currently the stadium lists as the second largest in the United States, behind Penn State's Beaver Stadium, due to a reduction of 1,300 seats resulting from a lawsuit filed on behalf of disabled patrons. The former official capacity of 107,501 made The Big House the largest stadium in the United States up until the recent changes.

Currently “The Big House” is going through $230 million renovation which will result in addition of luxury boxes and 5200 seats. Upon completion of renovation, “The Big House” will regain the honor of being largest stadium in the United States.