EXCERPT
Pomp and polyester? In grad season, here's the lowdown on cap and gown
By Kristin Palpini, staff writer
DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, May 15, 2008
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. -- The sentimental life span of graduation garb seems to be three years, which is about how long it takes mortarboard tassels to lose their color while hanging on automobile rearview mirrors.
"I took my tassel with me and it hung from the rearview mirror of my first car for several years," said Karen H. Sise, a Smith College student. "The tassel is now in a drawer in my house, somewhere."
Not all gowns are destined to collect dust in an attic. At Smith College graduating senior Janine V. Olthuis will wear a third-generation gown that has been passed down from one Smithee to the next since 2005.
Earlier this academic year Olthuis traveled to California for a psychology conference and stopped off at her friend and Smith alumna's home to pick up the black gown.
"It's a link to something bigger than you are," said Olthuis. "It's kind of cool."
Olthuis has plans to give the storied gown to another Smith student, a fellow soccer player, following commencement ceremonies this weekend.
"For us, this is a more sentimental way of honoring the people before you and having all the memories when you graduate too," she said.
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