Baylor University and Truett Seminary Spring 2015 Commencement Ceremonies

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Media contact: Lori Fogleman, (254) 710-6275

WACO, Texas (May 11, 2015) – The time has come for a new class of graduates to receive a diploma from Baylor University and leave fortified with the wisdom imparted on them during their time here. For those graduating from Baylor and George W. Truett Theological Seminary, commencement ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16.

"Commencement continues to be the most exciting and critical weekend of life at Baylor, and we want to make sure the ceremonies are a capstone experience for graduates and their families," said Lois Ferguson, manager of commencement and facilities planning. "The size of the graduating class this spring is one of the largest in history, so here on campus and throughout the city we will notice the influx of guests celebrating this major achievement."

Baylor University Commencement

The commencement ceremony for the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, including the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Family and Consumer Sciences and Health, Human Performance and Recreation, and all science disciplines from the College of Arts & Sciences will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the Ferrell Center, 1900 S. University Parks Drive.

The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, the School of Music and the arts and humanities disciplines from the College of Arts & Sciences will participate in the ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, in the Ferrell Center.

The commencement ceremony for the Hankamer School of Business, the School of Education and the School of Engineering and Computer Science will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the Ferrell Center.

Baylor University Chancellor and President Ken Starr will preside over all ceremonies for the fifth May of his nearly five-year presidency, delivering a message to the graduates.

George W. Truett Theological Seminary Commencement

The commencement ceremony for George W. Truett Theological Seminary will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Waco, 500 Webster Ave.

Bearer of the Mace

The ceremonial Bearers of the Mace will be Ann E. Rushing, Ph.D., professor emeritus of biology, for the Friday afternoon ceremony; James B. Williams, D.M.A., professor emeritus of keyboard studies, for the Saturday morning ceremony; and Judy Bowman, M.S., retired senior lecturer in economics, for the Saturday afternoon ceremony.

The Bearer of the Mace for the Truett Seminary commencement will be Naymond Keathley, Ph.D., professor of religion in Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences.

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 of the Ferrell Center is accessible from both University Parks Drive and LaSalle Avenue. Parking for 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 the Ferrell Center 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. Graduates are encouraged to bring no more than 10 guests each. Because of the size of the graduating class, all three university ceremonies will see the Ferrell Center at maximum capacity.

Doors will open 90 minutes before the ceremony, and the estimated length is two-and-a-half hours.

Diploma Presentation Order

Diploma presentation order begins with bachelor's degrees. Master's students are recognized next, followed by the presentation and hooding of doctoral students. Students will be seated in the order in which diplomas are presented: academic college, degree, major and last name.

Photography and Videography

Flash Photography will serve as the official photographer for commencement, photographing each graduate as he or she receives a diploma from President Starr. They will take an additional shot as the graduate leaves the stage. Pictures are in color, and different packages are available. Information about proofs and costs will be mailed to the graduate's Baylor e-mail and permanent mailing address. Flash can be contacted at 1-800-410-8070.

Videos and DVDs of the commencement program and memorable scenes of the Baylor campus are available from Dub-L Tape, a Waco video production company. To check costs or to place an order, click here. Order forms will be available the day of the ceremony at the Dub-L Tape table along the Ferrell Center concourse.

by Ashton Brown, 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.