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Lipscomb moves to two commencement ceremonies this May

Janel Shoun-Smith | 

dec grad 2After 10 years of consistent growth in the number of degrees awarded each year at Lipscomb University, academic leaders have decided to hold two commencement ceremonies in May 2014.

With an 82 percent enrollment growth rate since 2005 and more than 700 seniors expected to graduate or participate in the May commencement ceremony, Provost Craig Bledsoe decided it was time to make a change.

“It is important to the administration of Lipscomb University that families and friends of graduates be able to participate fully in the ceremony and be as comfortable as possible doing so,” said Bledsoe. “This is an important day for students and their families. We want to make it a day that is memorable in a good way by honoring to the fullest extent possible the accomplishments of our students.”

  • The spring commencement ceremony for graduate and pharmacy students will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. Doors to Allen Arena will open at 9:30 a.m.
  • The spring commencement ceremony for undergraduate students will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.  Doors to Allen Arena will open at 1 p.m.

Dividing the large group into graduate and undergraduate ceremonies will enable guests of participating students to experience a ceremony focused on their specific graduate type, with elements that are most appropriate and meaningful to that group, Bledsoe said. A side benefit will be that the duration of each ceremony will likely be less than one large ceremony, he noted.

“Given that our enrollments continue to grow, it is reasonable to expect that the May commencement will continue to include two ceremonies. Since the December class has not yet grown to the same number as the May class, we will likely continue to have one ceremony in December,” Bledsoe said.

A reception for all graduates and their families and friends is planned in the Student Activities Center from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on May 3.

This past December, Lipscomb added a baccalaureate service to the graduation activities for undergraduate candidates and their families. The baccalaureate service is a time of spiritual reflection and a chance to share a more personal and intimate experience with the graduating class. It will take place on Friday, May 2, at 5 p.m. in Collins Alumni Auditorium.

If you have questions about commencement activities, contact the Graduation Office at 615.966.6083.