WMU News

Commencement ceremonies Dec. 12

December 3, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University will award nearly 1,800 degrees as WMU President Elson S. Floyd presides over his first commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 12, in Miller Auditorium.

There will be three ceremonies: one at 9 a.m. for graduates of the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and the College of Health and Human Services; one at 11:30 a.m. for graduates of the Haworth College of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; and one at 2 p.m. for graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Continuing Education's General University Studies Program.

A total of 1,330 bachelor's, 427 master's and specialist's, and 15 doctoral degrees will be awarded. At the 2 p.m. ceremony, Jack Moss, longtime sports editor for the Kalamazoo Gazette, will receive an honorary doctor of public service degree.

Music for the ceremonies will be performed by the Western Brass Ensemble, directed by Dr. Steve M. Wolfinbarger of WMU's School of Music. The national anthem and the alma mater will be sung by WMU's Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia professional music fraternity. The graduates will be welcomed as new alumni of the University by Robert Miller, past president of the WMU Alumni Association.

Giving the invocation and benediction during the ceremonies will be: Rev. Duane Jones of the First Congregational Church in Covert at 9 a.m.; Rev. J. Louis Felton of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Kalamazoo at 11:30 a.m.; and Rev. Aaron Sorrels of Settlement Lutheran Church in Gowan at 2 p.m. Jones' daughter Sarah E. Jones will be receiving a bachelor's degree in elementary education at the 9 a.m. ceremony and Sorrels' wife Bernice R. Sorrels will be receiving a bachelor's degree in social science studies at the 2 p.m. ceremony.

Tickets are required for the ceremonies. Each participating graduate is eligible to receive up to four guest tickets, which will be given at the time they pick up their regalia. Seating is limited due to the size of the graduating class and the number of expected participants and guests.

Guests without tickets may view the exercises on a large-screen television in Room 3512 of Knauss Hall. Each ceremony will air live on Channel 7 of EduCABLE, the University's cable television system, and on Channel 32 of Kalamazoo Community Access television.

University Video Services is providing an opportunity for persons to purchase videotapes of each of the three ceremonies. Orders may be placed by calling 387-5003. The tapes are $20 each.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu


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