Why not skip graduation for everyone altogether? I graduated from Prep, Grade 7, high school, and college. Years later, I graduated from graduate school but didn't join the march--and actually felt that I really didn't miss anything.

Why doesn't every graduate's family just have a superb dinner together instead?

Hasn't it occurred to everyone that, when you spend money for graduation rites, you are really spending money for the faculty rather than for the graduates?