Nicknames, inside jokes and potshots at poorly done reality television shows abounded at the graduate program of the Annenberg School for Communications' commencement Monday.
"Outgoing dean Kathleen Hal-Jamieson characterized the event -- which fit easily into an Annenberg classroom -- as "our smallest graduation... but our best."
Indeed, those present in caps and gowns could be counted on two hands with fingers to spare.
"There's something about our relationship with the place that is very familial, that has the tenderness and complexity of that relationship," said Louise Woodstock, the sole graduating Ph.D student.
Master of Arts in Communication recipient and former Graduate and Professional Students Association representative Francesca Wellings also noted that the school acted to her satisfaction during the heated graduate student unionization campaign in the Fall.
"I'm proud to note that the Annenberg School left the decision to the graduate students, without running an anti-union campaign," Wellings said.
The ceremony marked Jamieson's last official act before Michael Delli Carpini takes the helm from her as dean.
Journalist and CNN personality Wolf Blitzer delivered the commencement address, commending Jamieson on her "well earned expertise."
"There's no one... who knows more about political communications than Kathleen," he said.
The ceremony was also a final opportunity to bid farewell to professor Larry Gross, who is assuming the directorship of the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Southern California.
After a tribute praising everything from his "freakshow-frightening institutional memory" to his purple corduroy suit, Gross received a standing ovation, a spontaneous homage to his thirty years of service to the University.
Though Annenberg does not have a journalism program, Blitzer spoke enthusiastically about life as a reporter, being paid to have "a front seat to history."
Still, his final piece of advice was perhaps the best received.
"Rich or poor, it's good to have money," he told the students.
"And when you have money, give some to the Annenberg School," Jamieson added, fulfilling her fund raising duties one last time.
