degree please

Since it is mid-march I figure it is time to figure out when I will take the walk across the Jubilee Auditorium at the U and be an official U of A grad. After being put on hold for about 5 minutes I figure I would check the online stuff and maybe the answers could be there to my very general questions.
Yeap, just like I suspected my questions were answered online. Thank goodness cuz we need to start planning my graduation party. Then in conversation with my brother, he informed me of the most shocking part ever. I recieve my degree when I pick up my gown for convocation. What the hell?! Thats soo beyond cheesy and to be frank, it kinda makes me sad.
I worked long and hard for this degree and thats when I get it? When some random person passes me my gown, cap and tickets? I picture it now. Allow me to paint you a picture.....

Me: Hi, i am here to pick up my gown.
Randomee: last name, first name.
Me: my last name is Lopez, first name Alma
Randomee: Student ID please
Me: yeap here it is.
Randomee: thanks. Here you go. all the info is in the packets. do you need more than 3 tickets?
Me: 3 tickets? In case you didn't notice, my last name is spanish, i gots to have more than 3 tickets. Is it possible to request 10? * thats not including the cousins*
Randomee: request it here, sign here and initial there. (Passing me my $40,000 degree)
Me: (graciously and kinda in shock accepting my degree) oh thanks. have a good day.
Randomee: Next.

What about all the late night cramming? the countless breakdowns (ok, granted that was only in first year)? the papers? the assignments? the group projects? Don't they count for something??
thought i would throw that one out there...till next time.