WKU's 153rd Commencement
Set For 9 A.M. May 10
April 24, 2003
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University's 153rd Commencement will feature remarks from the new president of the Council on Postsecondary Education and the presentation of two honorary doctorates.
Tom Layzell, a former higher education commissioner in Mississippi and Illinois who began his new job this month, will speak to WKU graduates at the May 10 ceremony at L.T. Smith Stadium. WKU President Gary Ransdell also will make congratulatory remarks to the class of 2003.
Western will confer 1,802 degrees – 150 associate, 1,306 bachelor and 346 graduate – to candidates completing their degrees during the spring semester or summer term. About 1,275 students are expected to participate in the ceremony that begins at 9 a.m.
The University will present honorary doctorates to Raymond B. Preston of Henderson, a businessman, benefactor, WKU alumnus and former WKU regent, and Eddie Pennington of Princeton, a guitarist noted for preserving the thumbpicking style that originated in his native Muhlenberg County.
"A highlight for students is the faculty honor guard formed on Feix Field for the processional," Registrar Freida Eggleton said. "It's an emotional time for students and faculty as the graduates march through the honor guard and hug or shake hands with faculty members who have helped them achieve their education goals."
The commencement ceremony also will include:
*Commissioning of 12 Army ROTC cadets as second lieutenants: Jerrold R. Daugherty and Patrick M. Thomas, both of Bowling Green; Bradley D. Denisar of Bradenton, Fla.; Anthony D. Haley of Auburn; Demetrius A. Huntspon of Henderson; Jennifer L. Miles of Fort Irwin, Calif.; Chad J. Moreillon of New Albany, Ind.; Travis R. Murphy of Humble, Texas; Nae' Shara D. Neal of Hermitage, Tenn.; William T. Rice of Nashville, Tenn.; Maria J. Rothman of Bonnieville; Michael S. Walters of Penrod.
*Recognition of retiring faculty members and faculty award recipients.
*Recognition of honor graduates.
*Parade of flags in recognition of international students.
With renovations continuing at Diddle Arena, the ceremony will be conducted at Smith Stadium rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the ceremony may be postponed, Eggleton said.
If weather appears questionable, participants may check the Western homepage (www.wku.edu) or call 1-888-CALL-WKU, (270) 745-0111 or 745-3351 for an announcement after 7 a.m. May 10.
"Although commencement is coordinated by the Office of the Registrar, it takes a host of volunteers for this function to be successful," Eggleton said. "We're indebted to the numerous university employees who help provide a ceremony that will create fond memories for our graduates."
For more information, contact the Registrar's Office at (270) 745-3351. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
