MEMORANDUM
DATE: |
January 10, 2008 |
TO: |
University of Utah Faculty Members |
FROM: |
Michael K. Young |
SUBJECT: |
2008 GENERAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY |
General Commencement exercises this year for all colleges except the College of Law and the School of Medicine will be held on the morning of Friday, May 2, 2008. This Commencement ceremony traditionally marks the end of the academic year, and your presence would lend a special significance to the day. In addition to hearing an address from our colleague and the University's first Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Mario R. Capecchi, we will be awarding honorary degrees to four other amazing individuals. They include Claudia Skaggs Luttrell, businesswoman and philanthropist; Kent H. Murdock, community leader and CEO of the O.C. Tanner Company; David G. Neeleman, founder and chairman of JetBlue Airways; Dinesh C. Patel, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and founder of several biotech companies.
The formal Commencement processional begins at 8:20 a.m. and the program at 9:00 a.m. Faculty members are invited to assemble at 8:00 a.m. in 116 HPER West and join with colleagues in a continental breakfast prior to the procession. Special seating for you will be provided on the floor of the Huntsman Center. The first 48 faculty members arriving that morning who wish to participate in the Faculty Honor Guard (those who are first in line and who congratulate the students as they walk by) will be given a number ranking as they enter the robing area. The Faculty Honor Guard is optional, but will be on a first-come basis.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to march in the processional, you will need academic regalia. If you do not have your own, orders must be submitted to the University Bookstore no later than by Friday, April 4. Order forms are available through your department.
If you have questions concerning Commencement ceremonies, college convocations or graduation, please call the office of your dean, or the office of Kay Harward, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, extension 1-3490, whom I have designated to coordinate our Commencement and convocation programs.
I look forward to your joining me and other colleagues in this colorful and traditional academic event as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating students and the true meaning of the University .