Centennial commencement ceremonies honor more than 2,000
Dec. 9, 2003
KALAMAZOO--More than 2,000 degrees will be awarded as Western Michigan University brings its centennial celebration to a close with commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 13.
President Judith I. Bailey will preside over three ceremonies in Miller Auditorium. Although the December 2003 class is not the 100th to graduate, it is the only class to graduate during the University's official centennial celebration period. Those festivities will end when the last graduate leaves Miller Auditorium Dec. 13.
The day's first ceremony, at 9 a.m., is for graduates of the Haworth College of Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Extended University Programs. The second ceremony, at 11:30 a.m., is for graduates of the colleges of Education and Fine Arts. And at 2:30 p.m., a ceremony will be held for graduates of the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, and Health and Human Services.
A total of 2,079 graduates will receive degrees, including 1,591 who will earn bachelor's degrees, 456 who will receive master's degrees and 32 who will be awarded doctoral degrees.
The Western Brass Ensemble, conducted by Steve Wolfinbarger, will perform music for the ceremonies. The national anthem and the alma mater will be sung by WMU's chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia professional music fraternity, conducted by Anthony Funaro. Graduates will be welcomed as new alumni of the University by Lynn Kellogg, president of the WMU Alumni Association.
Tickets are required for guests to attend the ceremonies and each participating graduate is eligible to receive up to four guest tickets.
Guests without tickets may view the exercises in Miller Auditorium if additional seats are available or on a large-screen television in Room 3512 of Knauss Hall. Each ceremony also will be carried live on Channel 7 of EduCABLE, the University's cable television system, and on Channel 22 of the Charter Communication cable system. In addition, video of the commencement may also be viewed online at the time of the ceremonies and for 30 days afterward. The Web address for online viewing is <www.wmich.edu/commencement>.
University Video Services provides an opportunity to purchase videotapes of any of the ceremonies. Orders may be placed by calling (269) 387-5003. The tapes are $20 each.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu