The departmental ceremonies are a huge drag, though. I've never seen an interesting version of one.

Mine was nice! You need to go to the right departmens. Mine started with a solo accoustic guitarist playing two numbers, then the introduction, then the jazz piano and harmonica teacher played his own variations on "Pomp and Circumstance", then diplomas, then a wonderful piano piece. Very short and very pleasant, no more than an hour.

The main ceremony was a bit boring for me, though (aside from the speakers). Very long.