PULLMAN, Wash.–Washington State University is celebrating commencement with two ceremonies on the Pullman campus Saturday, May 9, honoring the graduates of its eight colleges.
The plan was proposed by the Commencement Committee and approved by the university administration. In recent years, an all-university ceremony was held in the morning, followed by individual college ceremonies. The change is required because Hollingbery Fieldhouse is unavailable as a ceremony site due to construction.
This year, graduates of the colleges of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education will be recognized at an 8 a.m. program. Agriculture and Home Economics, Business and Economics, Engineering and Architecture, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine graduates will be honored in a 1 p.m. ceremony. Both events will be held in the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
In addition to the formal ceremonies, a number of colleges and academic departments are planning receptions for students and families.
Branch campus commencement ceremonies will be held in Spokane, May 8; in the Tri-Cities, May 15; and Vancouver, May 16.
This year marks the 102nd commencement at WSU and the centennial observance of the WSU Alumni Association. Delivering a commencement address at both Pullman ceremonies will be Phyllis Campbell, a university regent, one of the banking industry’s highest ranking female executives, and a 1973 WSU graduate. Alumni President Denny Jones and student body President Neil Walker also are scheduled to make commencement remarks.
Commencement ceremonies are the most important events of the academic year, said Provost Gretchen M. Bataille. “The programs will focus on the achievements of students and will give families an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of their graduates. The additional participation by the Alumni Association gives us a chance to recognize a century of contributions WSU graduates have made to society.”
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