Bethany Serafin, a 2012 CSU equine science graduate, wishes she would have decorated her cap for graduation because “not only is it very artistic and unique to an individual, it allows family and friends to spot you in the crowd,” she said. “My family complained about not being able to see where I was during the ceremony, and a decorated cap would have solved the issue.”

Unfortunately, CSU requests that you do not decorate your cap for commencement. But, this doesn’t mean you have to miss out! You can always decorate your cap after the ceremony. While it won’t help your family find you in the crowd, it can make a great decoration to remind you of your accomplishments here at CSU. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Ram Pride

Why not represent the Rams on your cap? After all, as a graduate, you should practically bleed green and gold, right? Shay Womack, a 2006 CSU international relations graduate, said her favorite decorated cap that she has seen was “completely covered with the school’s colors in gemstones and said ‘You Did It.’”

Quotes

Quotes are one way to help others learn your story. Try choosing one that represents your journey or one you can look at for motivation in the future. Some examples are “Step by step, day by day, I will change the world,” “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” or “Not all who wander are lost.”

About You

Another idea is to decorate your cap with things about yourself. Use your name, graduation year, initials, fraternity/sorority letters, something you love or a combination of them all to make your cap unique. For example, if you love music you could cover your cap in the lyrics to your favorite song and then put your name and graduation year on top of it.

Thank Yous

Serafin’s favorite cap read “Thanks, Dad!” She said she thought “this was a pretty cute way to show appreciation to the one who had clearly paid for the education.” Thanking those who helped you get to where you are is such a great way to decorate your cap. It is a continuous reminder of who has supported you all along the way.

This article was created for the 2014 Fall Graduation Guide produced by College Avenue Magazine staff.