Loyola University will hold a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2009 on May 9. Yet of the university’s 658 seniors, only 476 will be receiving their diplomas on this day. Most of the remaining seniors will be taking summer classes or returning for the fall semester.

It would be regrettable if these seniors graduated without the same recognition as their peers, given that this sharp disparity results from factors beyond their control.
For many of the students, their college experiences were thrown into disorder. Hurricane Katrina disrupted their freshman year, forcing them to attend other universities for their first semester of college or skip the semester altogether. The first semester is difficult as it is, without the added problem of evacuating and transferring. They were uprooted from their dorms  they had just moved into days earlier.

When Loyola reopened for the spring semester in 2006, students returned to a city that was still recovering from major destruction of its businesses and infrastructure. They came back to a university that was significantly different than the one they had left. Majors were eliminated, colleges were reorganized and the student body was significantly smaller.

Although some were fortunate to have all of the credits transfer to Loyola, there were those who had to re-take courses or change majors, pushing back their initial plans.
The “Katrina Class,” as it has come to be described, chose to return to Loyola despite the uncertainty of the city’s future. They came back when it appeared there was no reason to do so. The university’s revival would not have been possible without them.

The Maroon commends Loyola’s administration, faculty and staff for helping a majority of the Katrina Class graduate on time. The university dealt with the unprecedented and disordered situation caused by the natural disaster to the best of its ability. Yet there is still a large number of seniors who deserve a proper graduation after completing their undergraduate studies. Considering the substantial impact of Hurricane Katrina, it would seem only right for Loyola to hold a special ceremony for these students in December.

A December ceremony may not be a concern for all of the students, but for some, it’s an important demonstration of their accomplishments. Since it affects 182 students, the ceremony could be much smaller. The significance of walking across the stage is diminished if it’s done before their studies are completed or in conjunction with the next class. Their parents and families should be able to see them rightfully graduate.
Every one of these students deserves proper recognition for their contribution to the university. Loyola may not have flooded during Hurricane Katrina, but the Class of 2009 kept the university afloat during its dark waters.