Schedule aimed at greater convenience for graduates, families
Thousands of Wayne State University students are looking forward eagerly to commencement ceremonies, May 7-8, at the university's Tom Adams Field in the Matthaei Athletics Complex. Approximately 3,000 students are anticipated for the ceremonies. They are among 6,650 students eligible to participate in the annual rite of spring for those who have completed, or will complete, degree requirements between December 2008 and summer 2009. This is the first time the annual commencement celebration is scheduled over two consecutive days, with two assemblies each day, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Law School, which traditionally has a separate ceremony, will hold its commencement at 5 p.m. May 18 in the Detroit Opera House.
The revised commencement arrangement will allow time to recognize each graduate by name. Also, the stage will be closer than in the past to spectator seating in the football grandstand. Additionally, having four ceremonies instead of one will increase availability of seats for families and friends at each ceremony, and parking will be easier for graduates and guests, with less time waiting in line.
Four distinguished people will receive honorary doctoral degrees, one at each ceremony. WSU schools and colleges graduating students at each ceremony are noted below.
Thursday, May 7, 10 a.m.: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Stanford Ovshinsky, founder of Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (ECD Ovonics), headquartered in Rochester Hills, will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
Thursday, May 7, 3 p.m.: College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts; College of Education. Actress S. Epatha Merkerson will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.: College of Engineering; School of Business Administration. U.S. Congressman John Dingell will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Friday, May 8, 3 p.m.: College of Nursing; College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; School of Medicine; School of Social Work; Library and Information Science Program. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
At the 5 p.m. May 18 Law School commencement, the Honorable Marilyn Kelly, chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Should it become necessary to postpone any of the May 7-8 ceremonies due to inclement weather, they will be rescheduled for May 9 or 10.
Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.