 Ticketed Graduations Go Smoothly
A total of 1,690 graduates were invited to attend May graduation ceremonies, the first time in which guests were limited at the largest ceremonies, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies.
The arts and sciences undergraduate class, with a total of 419 students, was split into two ceremonies, with 211 humanities and science majors graduating on May 23, and 208 arts and fine arts majors graduating May 24. Nkosinathi Biko, the son of South African rights activist Stephen Biko, spoke at both ceremonies and accepted an honorary degree in memory of his father.
The School of Business and Management awarded 214 undergraduate and 151 graduate diplomas in a cooperative ceremony with 121 arts and science graduate students. The School of Nursing had 41 students participate in its ceremony while the School of Education ceremony had 198 graduates. The School of Law graduated 216 and the College of Professional Studies graduated 330.
The split ceremonies, and limiting guest tickets allotted each graduate, reduced crowding and made the ceremonies smoother, organizers said.
“For the first time in memory, all the guests had a place to sit and had such assurance of having a place to sit, they didn’t feel the need to arrive an hour and a half early,” said Mel Hetzel, administrative coordinator of academic services. “The marshals noted that many guests thanked them for a well-run ceremony.” A total of 145 staff members served as marshals for the various ceremonies.
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