For the past five years, I have been working toward my Ph.D (doctorate) in Computer Science. This involved taking classes during the first couple of years, and then doing research and writing many published papers and finally a dissertation. This morning at 9:00am I defended that dissertation; this means that a committee of four professors asked me lots of questions and judged whether my work was acceptable for the degree to be awarded. I am happy to say that I was successful, and with the exception of some university paperwork, I am officially finished with my degree! I think it will take me some time to adjust to no longer being a student. But I'll adjust quickly to being called "Dr. Boyer," so if you want to do that, go right ahead. :-)
They give you a little bit of space at the beginning of your dissertation to acknowledge people that have helped you along the way to finishing the work, but I could have taken 100 pages to do that instead of just the 2 that I did use. To all my family and friends who have sacrificed their time and energy in so many ways over the long years I've been in school, I don't have the words to tell you how much I appreciate your sacrifice. Thank you.