Commencement Celebrates Class of 2014
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University officials expect the class of 2013-14 to total more than 4,938 graduates; 2,804 candidates have applied for spring graduation and will be honored April 25 during WSU’s 143rd commencement. Others received their diplomas during winter commencement ceremonies.
“The world is full of opportunities for our graduates,” said Beverly Rudd, WSU’s director of special events. “Commencement is our opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and pay tribute to their successes.”
Graduates attending commencement in the Dee Events Center will receive a commemorative medallion to mark the occasion. The ceremony’s academic processional begins at 9 a.m. followed by the formal program and keynote address.
F. Ann Millner, former WSU president, will deliver the keynote address and will receive an honorary degree.
A committee selected Abelardo (Abe) Saucedo, the WSUSA Clubs and Organizations vice president and an accounting major, as the student speaker.
In addition to Millner, two others will receive honorary degrees: Hank Hemingway, who helped found the Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation and the Hemingway Faculty Development Trust and Van Summerill, founder, first president and historian of the Egyptian Theatre Foundation.
The 2014 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors also will be honored during the ceremony. This year’s recipients are Jennifer Turley, chair of the department of health promotion and human performance and Kirk D. Hagen, chair of the engineering department.
Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on April 25, each of WSU’s academic colleges will hold individual convocations at various locations where graduates will receive their diplomas.
Lunch will be served in the Shepherd Union Atrium from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Each graduate received two complimentary tickets to the lunch at the time they picked up their caps and gowns. Additional tickets may be purchased for $11 at the Shepherd Union Information Desk.
“Our graduates and their families will be able to spend the day on campus sharing in the celebration of their degrees and accomplishments,” Rudd said.
“Putting Students Through,” a short program where graduates honor parents, spouses and friends who supported them, will be held April 24 at 4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Building.
By May 2, the commencement ceremony can be viewed on WSU’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/weberstateu, and by May 9, DVD copies of the main commencement ceremony will be available for purchase for $3 at the Campus Store. Parking will be free throughout the day on April 25. Campus shuttle buses will run every five minutes from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with stops on the east and west side of the Dee Events Center, Val A. Browning Center, Stewart Library and McKay Education Building.
American Sign Language services will be available at the Dee Events Center in Section S at the base of Portal 17. Students with special needs should contact Don Guthrie at 801-626-6856.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
- Cozette Jenkins, University Communications
801-626-7948 • cozettejenkins@weber.edu - Contact:
- Beverly Rudd, WSU director of special events
801-626-6468 • beverlyrudd@weber.edu