RICHLAND — At least 215 graduates will shake Gov. Chris Gregoire’s hand as they walk across the stage during Friday afternoon’s commencement at Washington State University Tri-Cities.
Commencement starts at 4 p.m. Friday, May 11. For the first time, it will be held outside on campus, 2710 University Drive, Richland. The stage is between the West Building and the Consolidated Information Center. The ceremony is followed by a reception on the East Building patio.
Gregoire is the keynote speaker. Also addressing the graduates will be WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Vicky L. Carwein, WSU President V. Lane Rawlins, and Robert McNaughton, outgoing president of the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities.
The community is invited to commencement, no tickets are needed. Seating is being provided for 3,500 people — that’s 2,700 chairs on the grass and room for 800 in the bleachers.
Guests are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather and the outdoor setting. The WSU Tri-Cities College of Nursing will be running a first aid tent.
Parking attendants will help direct incoming traffic to parking spots, with golf carts available to transport the disabled and the elderly from the parking lot to the seating areas. Richland police officers will direct exiting traffic after commencement. The ceremony plus reception are expected to last two hours.
A total of 351 students have earned their degrees with the completion of spring semester. The commencement ceremony is optional. Participating graduates and faculty will begin lining up in their regalia (caps and
gowns) at 3:30 p.m. downstairs in the West Building.
For driving directions, see www.tricity.wsu.edu, click on “visit.”
