America 1982-Chapter 250 - 83: The Belated Gift_4
"His description of you made me think you were studying how to be a pimp at Stanford University in California. Of course, what you study doesn’t matter; what matters is that you had a four-year college life that you considered happy."
Tommy Hawk looked at his father speechlessly, "Tony told you I was studying to be a pimp at Stanford?"
Colin Hawk burped, "No, he was more direct. He said you were a madam and he was a flamboyantly dressed gigolo drumming up business for you."
...
In the summer of 1987, at Stanford University’s outdoor sports stadium, the 96th commencement ceremony was held.
For the graduates, this was not only the last but also the most shining moment of their college years. Naturally, the moment was equally significant for the graduates’ parents—even the disheveled Colin Hawk wore a meticulously tailored suit, his beard neatly trimmed, and his hair carefully combed.
Like the other parents of graduates, he wore a bouquet of flowers on his chest and walked towards the stadium along a red-carpeted path.
Following behind him was Ottelia, who had made a special trip back from Europe. Even amongst so many parents, she stood out, catching the gaze of many men. She held Bessie’s hand, explaining to her what would happen at the ceremony.
Bringing up the rear was Tony Leon, the vice-chairman of the United States Naval Academy’s SSD Chapter, wearing a summer white naval cadet officer’s uniform and arm in arm with Ashley.
Once all the attending parents were seated, the graduates, dressed in their regalia and wearing mortarboards, slowly made their way into the venue to the rhythm of Stanford’s processional march, under the leadership of their professors. At that moment, all parents clapped so hard for these young adults that their palms turned red.
When the graduates were seated, the ceremony officially began with the graduates’ last collective rendition of the alma mater, followed by President Donald Kennedy’s final speech to them on campus.
Then, a student representative made a speech. Bessie was very upset to see that it wasn’t her brother Tommy, but a black female student speaking. "Tommy has really blown it; he didn’t get to speak on behalf of the graduates! When I graduate, I’ll make sure to speak as the student representative and dress beautifully to attract everyone’s attention," she grumbled.
Next was a speech by former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, a distinguished Stanford alumnus and special guest.
After that concluded, the president proceeded to read each graduate’s name individually, inviting them to the stage to receive their diplomas, helping them turn their tassels, and giving them the opportunity to make a short confession.
Tommy Hawk was the last to take the stage. As the president handed him his diploma and turned his tassel, Tommy took the microphone and looked towards the audience.
"Dad, I know you’re here. Remember the gift I said I had prepared for you? It’s ready. On my last day at Stanford, I’d like the president to help you unwrap this gift."
"Mr. Colin Hawk, this is your gift and Stanford’s as well. On your behalf, Tommy Hawk has donated three million US Dollars to Stanford University for the construction of a library, and he wishes to name it the Colin and Alida Library. Your names, together with your wife’s, will be forever engraved at Stanford University. Every student at Stanford will remember your contribution. Thank you for your support of Stanford University. At this time, may I invite you to the stage to personally present you with an honor certificate on behalf of the university board?"
Volunteers immediately guided Colin Hawk to the stage. Colin was already somewhat overwhelmed when he heard the news, and it was only after reminders from Ottelia, Tony, and Ashley that he followed the volunteers onstage. As he accepted the certificate from the president, he looked at his son and then back at the crowd, who were giving him a warm round of applause, visibly moved.
But when the president asked him to say a few words, he appeared uncertain until Tommy smiled encouragingly at him. "You can say anything, Dad, anything, even curse words."
"I don’t only swear," Colin relaxed and addressed everyone below. "If his mom were here, she would be proud of him too. Thank you, Stanford... for letting more people in the world remember his mother’s name. And thank you, son. You are our pride."
Colin Hawk took a deep breath, striving to calm himself, then seriously addressed the president with a request. "About that library... I mean, can you put my wife’s name first? That’s my only request."
No sooner had he spoken than all the parents erupted in astonishment, applauding vigorously for Colin’s decision. Ottelia and Ashley, too, were moved to tears by his words, covering their mouths with their hands.
This decision by his father was unexpected for Tommy Hawk. He looked at his father beside him. "I just wish Mom could have been in the audience to hear your touching words, Dad."
"She can hear them," Colin embraced his son tightly. "Thank you for the gift you’ve given to us. Thank you for still remembering your mother. Congratulations on your graduation, son."
