Thursday, December 18, 2008

Give three cheers for the MBA Grad!!!

HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spence officially graduated with his MBA. It was such an incredibly F-U-N day, so I will give you sneak peek of what the day entailed.

Thursday night, there was a reception for the graduates and their families. During this reception they give out five Thunderbird Spirit of Giving Awards. One to a student, one to a faculty member, one to a department, one to an employee and one to a club. Spencer's band won the club award. They got this glass plaque and a hard bound book about Thunderbird. It was a really neat honor for their band to be nominated by their peers and the Thunderbird staff for this award. Spencer was also awarded with a medal for being a Thunderbird Campus Ambassador, which is the metal he is wearing around his neck in the graduation pictures.

Friday: The graduation ceremony was L-O-N-G and quite boring if I am being honest. But it was so amazing to see my man up there receiving his diploma. Here is a picture of him walking into the graduation room.

Spencer was selected to sing the national anthem for graduation and it was beyond. Words can't even describe how amazing it was. He sang it Acapella and he did a great job. I wish I had the video to download for you all to hear.

Here he is with the president of Thunderbird receiving his diploma (well at least his diploma cover).


We are so lucky to have such supportive families. Both of our parents were able to come down for the celebration.



I have a better family picture, but I had to post this one, because isn't this the typical mommy picture. Your baby can be gouging your eye out and you just smile on throught it!
After graduation we went to the gala which was amazing. The committee did such a fantastic job. We had a wonderful dinner, and the decorations were amazing, and the best part of the night was Spencer's band entertained for about 2 hours and did an amazing job. It was so fun for me, but especially both of our parents to see Spence in his element. He even got my dad out on the dance floor!





Well a huge congrats to Spence. Not only did he survive the past year and a half, but he THRIVED! Seriously, he is so smart and talented it blows my mind. Not only did he do great in school but he had so much fun along the way, and made the most of his Thunderbird experience. He took away so much valuable knowledge, a new way of thinking, a million memories and great friends from all over the world. We are really sad that this chapter in our lives has come to a close, but we are excited to see what the next chapter holds. I am so proud of you babe.
WAY TO GO!!!



24 comments:

Abi said...

Seriously way to go! That is so so awesome!

Tyler and Erika Hanks said...

I love the picture with Lance grabbing your eye, so funny and so real! COngrats Spence and good luck in your new job!

Webster Family said...

Congratulations Taggarts! You all did it! Can't wait to follow in your footsteps! We will sure miss you!

Sam, Kim and E-Z said...

AWESOME! I love that you posted so quickly! That a girl. Glad to know you made it safe. Also glad to hear all the cool details of graduation.

Katie M. said...

what?? He's done?? Where've I been??? Well, first off, major congrats. That must be a good feeling for both of you and second, that's a huge accomplishment.. how very exciting!!!

I hope his job brings to three to Philly!:))

or slc

lovekate

Kim said...

Congrats Spencer! What a GREAT accomplishment! We will certainly miss ya guys when you leave:-( Let us know if you need any help!

Lindsay said...

That is AWESOME! Way to go Spence! What a great feeling to be done and to have accomplished something so amazing! (And I LOVE the family picture of Lance poking your eye - totally typical mom moment!) That one made me laugh out loud! Love ya, see you soon!

Sam and Jess said...

Yay Spence! We are so happy that you guys are back. We'll have to get together for the traditional bowling and games.

Jen Petty said...

Congrats guys! I'm so excited to keep up with your adventures!

Sean, Siri, Addie and Connor said...

Congrats! What a great accomplishment.
This is going to sound weird, but could I get my book back sometime. We will be in Utah for two weeks.

Sean, Siri, Addie and Connor said...

Congrats! What a great accomplishment.
This is going to sound weird, but could I get my book back sometime. We will be in Utah for two weeks.

cas said...

congrats Spence! here is my email for your new blog casci25@hotmail.com. Have a great day! Cascia

Carlie and Ryan Skinner said...

oh my gosh!! i have tears in my eyes from that picture of lance poking your eye out and you just smiling through it... that is so funny. congrats to spencer and i want to be added. carlieweston@yahoo.com

marti said...

Congrats! We are excited for your new ventures. I can't wait for Shawn to be done, a year and a half more..... You will have to update us on your plans as far as where you are headed next. We are not going to Utah for the break. Shawn's family is coming out here. We felt it was a little to early to travel with Jack. I will be going to Utah in Feb.

Melissa said...

That is such a great achievement! Congrats to Spence big time. So what does the future hold? Where will you be going - doing etc?
Any big celebration plans in store?

youngfam said...

Yipee!!! Congratulations!

jonna said...

congrats...I can't wait unitl eric starts and then is finished with the whole Grad School stuff.

So you moved back to Utah. That was fast...where are you guys living...any suggestions for us. We are looking to move pretty soon, even if it means renting. We are probably going out on monday to look at houses. We should help each other and let each other know of good areas. And yes we should get together soon...after the holidays probably.

Be in touch! Maybe I will email about housing stuff later...welcome back!

Ashlee Swensen said...

Spenc that is so great! What an accomplishment. You are awesome I know you will do great things. Never let your zest for life die! Congrats to you and Katie both. I am so glad that you posted the picture of Lance grabbing your eye that is classic and made us laugh. Hope to see you for the holidays.

Ashlee Swensen said...

Way to go Spence! That is such a great accomplishment! I know you will do great things. Never lose your zest for life, you are amazing. Congrats to you and Katie both! lOve lance grabbing your eye that is classic and so funny! Hope tp see you both soon.

rocknclarks said...

What an accomplishment, Spence! You did it and loved it at the same time... We are so happy for your little family! Katie you looked at this entire process as an adventure and were always so positive, way to go!
Do you know what you will be doing next?

Melissa (Catlin) Kiser said...

way to go, speen! what's next for you guys? what a fun chapter to close.

Cianne said...

Congrats! What an accomplishment for the both of you. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Add me when you go private cdwallin@gmail.com

Amber said...

We are so happy for you guys! Spencer did a great job all day. Doesn't it feel good to be done?

Criscell said...

CONGRATS, Spencer!!! We are SOOO happy for you guys! (and jealous too...) Good luck with whatever else life holds in store for you. We'll miss you!