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Students, families & friends celebrate 2013 commencement

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Students, families & friends celebrate 2013 commencement

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 | lhancock@eou.edu

June 7, 2013
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Excitement is palpable the week of commencement with students, families and friends turning out to attend induction ceremonies, awards assemblies, receptions and rehearsals at Eastern Oregon University.

Activities begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 13 with Oregon Health & Science University’s Sigma Theta Tau Induction in the Hoke Union Building, Room 309. OHSU will induct 14 students to the International Honor Society of Nursing this year.

Friday morning begins with the commencement rehearsal, followed by the 32nd annual OHSU Convocation and Awards Ceremony at 10 a.m. in McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall.

At 11 a.m., the honor societies of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Tau Delta will induct 46 students, two faculty members and one staff member. The event includes a reception in the Hoke Union Building, Room 309.

EOU’s annual Student Awards Assembly begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday in McKenzie Theatre with a reception in the Loso lobby. A total of 60 awards, including 37 academic honors, will be presented to undergraduates of all levels and disciplines.

Friday at 5 p.m. is a function for off-campus graduates and their families in the Gilbert Center adjacent to Ackerman Hall.

EOU photo by Laura Hancock/President Bob Davies will confer degrees June 15. Approximately 460 students are participating in the formal ceremony that starts at 10 a.m. at Community Stadium.

The culminating event takes place Saturday morning when roughly 460 students march onto the field at Community Stadium for the formal 2013 Commencement Ceremony.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the stadium located at 6th St. and “G” Ave. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should arrive early and bring sunscreen, water and a hat or umbrella. Free parking is available for the day in all campus lots, excluding reserved spaces.

Students walking represent 60 percent of the total number of graduates anticipated this year. EOU will confer an estimated 640 bachelor’s degrees, 103 master’s degrees, eight certificates and seven associate’s degrees, pending completion of final grades for spring and summer terms.

EOU’s President’s Scholar is Timmy Brown, of Summerville, who will give the keynote address to the graduating class.

Other scheduled speakers include EOU President Bob Davies and Oregon University System Vice Chancellor for Academic Strategies Karen Marrongelle.

Performing the National Anthem is senior Holly Sorensen. Emily and Erin Rufener will sing the Alma Mater.

Following the conferring of degrees, guests will continue the celebration at a reception on the northwest lawn of the stadium.

Loveland Funeral Chapel and the Union County Victim Impact Panel will provide a designated driver offering free rides within La Grande and Island City from 10 p.m. Saturday to 2:30 a.m. Sunday. Goss Motor Company and Legacy Auto Group are donating vehicles. Call 541-963-5022 for more information.

Additional details, schedules and visitor information are available at www.eou.edu/commencement. Family or guests requiring special seating accommodations for the ceremony should contact Kris Olson in the Provost’s Office at 541-962-3511.