May 08, 2014

Media Advisory – Commencement

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 10, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. More than 3,200 professional, graduate and undergraduate students are candidates for degrees. 

Many times out-of-town guests turn to local media outlets to confirm commencement schedules. We would appreciate your help in sharing this schedule with your audiences. Graduation ceremonies are open to the public, and tickets are not required. 

The second “Forever SIU: A Commencement Celebration” on Friday, May 9, will celebrate the members of the Class of 2014 and their families.  Festivities are set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the SIU Arena parking lot.  Chancellor Rita Cheng will welcome graduates and their families.  The festivities will include the Chicago-based cover band, Mike and Joe, refreshments and items for purchase from local vendors.

On Saturday, there will be three separate commencement ceremonies at the SIU Arena. For the first time, each of the commencement ceremonies will be available via livestream at siusalukis.com/allaccess/.

Here is the schedule of  Saturday’s commencement ceremonies:

  • 9 a.m. -- College of Liberal Arts, College of Science, SIU School of Law, and SIU School of Medicine.
  • 1:30 p.m. -- College of Business and College of Education and Human Services.
  • 5:30 p.m. -- College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, College of Engineering, and College of Mass Communication and Media Arts. 

Author and actress Ali Wentworth is the keynote speaker for each of the three commencement ceremonies.

The university will also honor two individuals during commencement for their service and commitment with Distinguished Service Awards. 

James L. Moody, one of the nation’s leading lighting designers, will receive his honor during the 9 a.m. commencement exercise. Moody graduated in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in theater.  

Charles Priester, a widely recognized aviation industry leader whose commitment to the university’s aviation program spans more than 30 years, will receive his honor during the 5:30 p.m. commencement ceremony.