Old Harvard Yard scene of Briggs Siitari graduation

By Stephen P. Rolfsrud

Special correspondent

Briggs Rolfsrud Siitari graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. today.

In September 2007, Briggs began her master's degree program at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

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Today, June 5, 2008, Steve and Nancy Rolfsrud and Briggs' husband, Bill, celebrated her graduation at the Old Harvard Yard.

During the traditional proceedings, Nancy made friends with the people who were seated adjacent to her, from Leeds, England, as well as the people in front, who were from from Vienna, Austria.

(Editor's note: Steve did not report the name of the gentleman under the umbrella, but we have confirmed that it is not Ben Stein, who wasn't in Boston today, and is pictured at right.)

Briggs and her friends (above) --some of whom were actually from the United States--had a great time celebrating her graduation.

And her Mom and Dad were there along with her husband, Bill Siitari, (photo, right) to make sure that it was a REAL degree in that binder, and not just some blank sheet of paper.

Says Dad, "We are happy to confirm that after all of the hoopla that she now actually owns a masters degree from Harvard University, making the trip out here all worthwhile. Now it's off to Grendel's Den for a celebratory dinner. Hopefully, Briggs will buy."

(Trailboss says: May we add our congratulations to Stan's niece! Thanks for the special report to the family blog, Steve. Nice work, but submitting expense vouchers might be pushing it.)