Baylor University and Truett Seminary Winter Commencement Ceremonies

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Media contact: Lori Fogleman, (254) 710-6275
WACO, Texas (Dec. 11, 2014) – As 2014 comes to a close, so does time for many students at Baylor University. For those graduating from Baylor and George W. Truett Theological Seminary this winter, commencement ceremonies will take place Dec. 19 and 20.
George W. Truett Theological Seminary Commencement
The commencement ceremony for Truett Seminary graduates will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Waco. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall of the church.
Baylor University Commencement
The College of Arts and Sciences and all related graduate degree programs will participate in the morning ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, in the Ferrell Center.
The Hankamer School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Music, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, the School of Social Work and all related graduate degree programs, will participate in the afternoon ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, in the Ferrell Center.
Baylor Chancellor and President Ken Starr will preside over both ceremonies, delivering the message to the graduates.
Bearer of the Mace
The ceremonial Bearer of the Mace will be Robert Piziak, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Mathematics (1981-2008).
The Mace - a symbol of authority used in all commencement exercises - is comprised of a golden sword linked with two walking canes once belonging to former Baylor President Rufus C. Burleson and Gen. Sam Houston. The sword was presented to Cyrus Baylor by President Andrew Jackson for his bravery in the War of 1812.
Live Streaming
A live streaming of the commencement ceremonies can be viewed here.
Parking and Seating
The parking lot at the Ferrell Center is accessible from both University Parks Drive and LaSalle Avenue. Parking for handicapped or physically impaired individuals is accessible from the Daughtrey Avenue entrance off University Parks Drive.
Guests may be diverted to parking in the East Campus Garage on Daughtrey Avenue. Baylor Police officers and parking assistants will direct guests to the garage; shuttle service to Ferrell is provided at no cost.
Seating for Commencement is first come, first served. Organizers recommend that attendees allow sufficient time to park and be seated. If a disabled or elderly person will require accommodations, plan to arrive early to avoid the heavy crowds in the parking areas and along the concourse. Wheelchair seating is available inside the arena with rows in front of the area for family members.
Locations
The Ferrell Center is located at 1900 S. University Parks Drive.
First Baptist Church of Waco is located at 500 Webster Ave.
by Sarah Czerwinski, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.