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Smith College Commencement 2008, By the Numbers

During Smith’s annual commencement weekend, a contingent of staff members have their heads full of numbers: how many folding chairs to order, how many lunches to prepare, how many graduation gowns to have in stock, how many alumnae will visit campus.

So to give an idea of the numbers we will deal with during Smith's 130th commencement, we at The Gate have compiled this handy reference.

7,000  folding chairs set up in the Quad

4,984  folding chairs set up in the ITT in case of rain

290  extra tables rented for the campus

2,078  alumnae registered to be on campus for both reunion weekends

4  classes returning (1943, 1958, 1983 and 1998) for first reunion weekend
           
11  classes returning for second reunion weekend (1933 to 2003)

4,000   meals served to alumnae during reunion weekend

425  pounds of turkey in box lunches during commencement weekend

1,350 lanterns lit for Illumintion

450+  candles lit during the senior candle-lighting ceremony

420 feet—length of the ivy chain ( actually mountain laurel) carried by Junior Ushers during Ivy Day Parade

38 junior ushers to carry the ivy chain

44 banners to be carried by graduating seniors and graduate students during  commencement procession

98 faculty members marching during commencement
           
8  emeriti marching in the commencement procession

8  marshals leading the commencement procession      

27  people seated on stage during commencement (not including faculty)

2 podiums on commencement stage

5/14/08  
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