For colleges and universities, branding is an investment that perpetuates itself in the continued matriculation of the most qualified and best-suited students.
But what Carmela Soprano doesn't know is that matriculation at any such high-class institution does not figure to do anything special for her daughter's career prospects.
To get into a program, many schools require at least two years of college and some health care experience, and college-level biology, chemistry and math courses are sometimes necessary before matriculation.
But the future of Indian Country rests on something more: the education we provide our children. (Applause.) We know that Native Americans face some of the lowest matriculation rates and highest high school and college dropout rates.
The university this week launched a new safe taxi scheme, which allows students who do not have enough money to get home from nights out during term time to use their matriculation card and signature as a deposit for the fare.
Maybe I've become too cynical watching what universities try to do to students between matriculation and graduation, but I can't help thinking that all of these trends--including the sad passings of places like Albiani's Cafeteria and the Patisserie Francaise--are somehow interconnected.