Erin McGrath: May 2016

I don't know how I ended up at the University of Michigan. It seems almost by accident. But somehow it was the happiest of accidents. I would think that anyone who knows me, even slightly, knows how much I love my alma mater. It was truly one of the best periods of my life - I met so many of my forever friends, I made ALL of the mistakes that taught me what kind of person I wanted to be, I was inspired, I was challenged....Would I make some changes if I had to do college all over again? Probably yes. But one thing that I would never change is the family I gained both at the University and in the Musical Theatre Department.

I have to admit, with sadness and regret, that I have let some of those friendships fall by the wayside. Never intentionally, but I also didn't put the effort in when I should have. Some of that can be attributed to the fact that I have so often been out of town and on the road since graduating, but I'll own up and say that generous portion of it is just a straight up "my bad". I waffled back and forth about attending Maize and Blue on Broadway last week. Mr. Wagner (eek! Brent!?), the man that literally defined my time in the MT program - that terrified, inspired and encouraged me - is retiring and some of the graduates put together a big shindig to celebrate his tenure at the University and all of the lives and careers that he has shaped. Did I want to go? Would I feel small and unsuccessful in the face of so many incredible accomplished fellow graduates? Would I know anyone? Would anyone know me? But my Mom talked some sense into me. She essentially told me that this was a once in a life time experience and that of course I should go. Because after all, like so many things, it wasn't actually about me.

Rehearsal at Telsey for the big finale of the show: 450 graduates singing "Sunday"
from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

I am so happy that I did. Because you know what I forgot while I was feeling insecure? That difference - the MICHIGAN difference - is that it is a family. First of all, THE SHOW. I couldn't have been more proud to see my people performing - my friends and classmates and people I barely knew but are STILL family. Everyone was so good and full of joy. And it was so humbling and emotional to remember exactly where we all came from. Listening to songs that we are all sang in performance class, hearing the first notes of the gypsy overture, seeing Jerry Depuit playing the piano (my heart!), listening to Mr. Wagner (Brent...Brent...) speak from the stage with his sly sense of humor and his passion for the theatre and the students that he had helped mold into successful, respected adults.

The man, the myth, the legand himself - Mr. Brent Wagner

And then the PARTY. It was so wonderful to see so many fellow wolverines. And SO. MANY. We were told that about 450 graduates were there...over 3/4 of everyone that has ever graduated from the program! And we TOOK OVER Hurley's. It was packed. And then best part of it all was getting to see and reconnect with so many of my classmates (#mtgods). Remember what a badass, oddball class we were??? It was a bit bittersweet knowing that I was going back to Chicago and not going to get to call up some of my classmates the next week and get together for a REAL catch up.

It was not even remotely enough time. I didn't get to talk with everyone. I didn't get to ask enough questions about what everyone was doing and see their new kids and laugh about old times. But I'll take what I can get.... Because I left there feeling....well, a bit drunk. But also ANYTHING but small, unsuccessful, and unsure. I felt loved and connected and a part of an incredible, supportive family. One that I have too long taken for granted. And hopefully never will again. Because "Wherever you go, Go Blue." is not just a phrase we like to say, it is THE truth of going to UofM, something every graduate knows in their Maize and Blue colored hearts...

And now, for good measure, I give you some old pictures I found on Facebook...