Baylor University Holds Winter Commencement Ceremonies Dec. 15

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WACO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2012) - At the majestic sound of Pomp and Circumstance, another class of Baylor students will walk forward to mark the completion of their studies during the university's winter commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 15. The two ceremonies will be presided over by Baylor President Ken Starr and take place at the Ferrell Center, 1900 S. University Parks Drive.

The first ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. for graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College and Graduate School. The second ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. for graduates of the Hankamer School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Music, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, School of Social Work and Graduate School.

Baylor will provide live streaming of both ceremonies, allowing graduates' families and friends to watch students receive their Baylor diploma from anywhere in the world. The live stream will begin 10 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony at https://www.baylor.edu/commencement/index.php?id=63725.

During the processional, graduates will be led by the Bearer of the Mace, an honor bestowed upon two emeritus professors. Judith R. Lusk, Professor Emeritus of Family and Consumer Sciences (1986-2011), and A. Dale Allen, Professor Emeritus of Management (1978-2002), will receive this honor. 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.

As members of the university's administration, invocations will be given by Lisa Hoxworth, assistant to the associate vice president for operations planning and budget director, and Elida Garza, transfer evaluation coordinator in the Office of the Registrar. Closing benedictions will be given by Jerry H. Webb and Lewis E. Lee, both honored guests of graduating students.

For more information about commencement exercises, please click here.

by Brent Salter, 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 15,000 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 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.