It's unfortunate that announcements are seen as asking for a gift. My son only sent to immediate family. I would have liked to have sent them to more people because I wanted them to know about it, but I was afraid that it would be asking for a gift which we don't expect. I guess when I send Christmas cards this year I might write one of those braggy how wonderful my kids are letters enclosed instead!
As one who said this announcement was asking for a gift, I'd like to clarify (because I definitely don't want people thinking I mean all announcements) that 99.9% of announcements are not gift grabs. They are just what they are supposed to be: a way to announce life altering news that you feel your family and friends might find interesting. Whether it's a birth announcement, marriage announcement, graduation announcement or any other kind, I am sure that almost all of them are sent with only the very best intentions. However,
this particular case involves someone who apparently doesn't say one word to these particular extended family members when he's walking past them. In that case, it seems strange that he doesn't think they'd like to hear any of his news in person (or even hear the word "Hello", apparently!) but he does think they want to hear about his graduation. I, personally, think it isn't appropriate to send someone a graduation (or any other) announcement unless you are close enough to them (relationship-wise) that you would tell them the news in person
if you happened to be walking within shouting distance of them. That doesn't mean I think you should intentionally go visit them to tell them, but if you are already near enough to speak to them and you never do, I think that says a lot about your relationship (or lack thereof). In this specific case, I believe he sent the announcement in the hopes of receiving gifts.
I'm sure that those on this thread who sent announcements did not do so as gift grabs. I sent out annoucements when I graduated, even to family members I very rarely communicate with. But I didn't send them to anyone who I wouldn't speak to if I was walking past them, because I think it would be ridiculous to do that.
It bothers me that so many people seem to be ignoring the specifics of this case and jumping to the conclusion that anyone who thinks
this announcement was a gift grab is implying that
all announcements are gift grabs, when (for me, at least) that is simply not the case.
) and I do NOT expect anything from most of the people on the list. The most I am expecting from some of the people is a phone call or card congratulating me. 
