More than 400 Students Will Walk the Stage for Summer Commencement

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275
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by Liesbeth Powers, student newswriter

WACO, Texas (Aug. 8, 2018) – Baylor University’s summer graduating class of 2018 will walk the stage at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Ferrell Center, S. University Parks Drive.

Baylor Commencement Ceremony

This summer’s commencement will honor an expected 450 graduates and will include students from all colleges and schools, with the exception of Truett Seminary and Baylor Law School. Forty-two students will be hooded for their doctoral degrees.

Baylor President Linda Livingstone, Ph.D., will give the traditional charge to the graduating students and present them with their diplomas. She will be assisted by Gary Carini, Ph.D., vice provost for graduate professional education and strategic planning.

E. Jeter Basden, Professor Emeritus of Religion, director of ministry guidance and holder of The Raymond O. Hubler Chair, will be the ceremonial Bearer of the Mace. Jenny Skarke, church music major, will sing “Give Me Jesus” by Moses Hogan, with accompanist Jonathan Pinto on piano.

About 50 faculty will volunteer as ushers and marshals for the ceremony and many additional faculty will be in seats on the floor to congratulate students as they come off the stage.

The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.

Parking Access

The parking lot at Ferrell is accessible from both University Parks Drive and LaSalle Avenue. Parking for handicapped or physically impaired individuals is accessible from the Daughtrey Street entrance off University Parks Drive. A circular drive at the main entrance to Ferrell Center is available for people wishing to drop off guests. Those with handicapped or elderly guests should ask a parking attendant for curbside drop-off before parking.

Seating and Vendors

At the entrance to the Ferrell Center all bags will be checked and all graduates, families and guests will access the Ferrell Center via walk-through metal detectors.

Seating for commencement is first come, first served. Attendees and guests should allow for sufficient time to park and be seated. If a disabled or elderly person will require accommodations, plan to arrive early to avoid 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.

Faculty volunteer-ushers will greet all guests and hand out programs inside the Ferrell Center.

A vendor will sell long-stemmed roses inside on the concourse for family and friends who wish to purchase them for their graduate. Concession stands will sell water, coffee and small packaged snacks.

Streaming and Photography

Baylor will provide live streaming of the commencement from this web site. August 2018 Commencement ceremonies will be available online on Saturday, Aug. 11.

The university provides an official photographer to photograph each graduate receiving a degree. Pictures are in color and different packages are available. Proof sheets and rates will be mailed to the graduate's permanent mailing address and sent to the student's Baylor email by Flash Photography, or you may contact Flash at 1-800-410-8070.

Cameras and other photo/video items will be allowed for commencement, but guests will not be allowed on the floor where graduates are seated. The lower rows in Section 104 are reserved for guests to come and go during the ceremony and photograph their graduates.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 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.