Ivy graduation tradition goes on after SPU shooting
Jun 13, 2014, 11:49 AM | Updated: 12:28 pm
Sorrow mixes with celebration as hundreds of seniors graduate from Seattle Pacific University, one week after a student was shot to death on campus.
A pre-commencement ceremony on campus Friday morning included a traditional ivy cutting ceremony held outside in Tiffany Loop, along with the ringing of a bell by select graduates, including two fourth-generation SPU grads.
“I’m mostly just thankful to have my family in town and just be with me as we try to transition to a celebration mode,” said Alex Forsythe.
“I’m just really thankful that I’m a part of a community that just rallies together,” added Rebecca Magnenat.
One week ago, Thursday, a man armed with a shotgun killed one student and seriously injured two others inside the SPU engineering building.
Aaron Ybarra has been charged with one count first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault.
The so-called “Ivy Planting” ceremony began on campus in 1922. Now, each graduate cuts a sprig of ivy to signify their knowledge and ties to Seattle Pacific.
Undergraduate Commencement will be held Saturday at KeyArena.
