Posted on Dec 16, 2005

Murray State University is nearing the close of its Fall 2005 semester and the university’s annual December Commencement Exercises and Investiture Ceremony. Commencement will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Regional Special Events Center (RSEC) on campus. The university invites families and friends of graduates to attend the ceremony. Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Stephen B. Pence of Louisville will present the Commencement address. Outstanding Seniors Brianna Moore of Steeleville, Ill., and Caleb Watters of Fults, Ill., will bring valedictions. Mayfield native Don Tharpe, ’74, ’75, will be recognized as the recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Tharpe is president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. Seating is on a first-come basis. Parking is available in the Stewart Stadium parking lot off of Hwy. 641. Shuttle busses will be available to transport guests from the parking lot to the front doors of the RSEC beginning at 8 a.m. Busses will also be available until 1:30 p.m. to transport guests back to the parking lot. Guests with limited mobility who will need special assistance with parking or seating are asked to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at (270) 762-3155, or the Regional Special Events Center at 762-5577. TDD (270) 762-3361. Students participating in Commencement are asked to assemble at 9 a.m. at Gate A in the RSEC lobby. An official photographer will be available at the Commencement ceremony to take graduation photos. The Commencement ceremony will also be preserved on DVD. Copies may be reserved at the Graduation Video Table in Lobby B on the morning of Commencement, or online by visiting www.murraystate.edu and clicking on the Commencement link. The Alumni Association will honor the December graduating class of 2005 at a Commencement Reception on Friday, Dec. 16. Graduates and their families are invited to stop by the Alumni Center located on Hwy. 641 near Stewart Stadium, for a time of social gathering and refreshments from 4-5:30 p.m. Several of the residential colleges will host breakfasts on Saturday prior to Commencement. All will begin at 8 a.m. Details on all commencement related activities can be found online at www.murraystate.edu. For more information and the latest updates, visit the university’s website at www.murraystate.edu or call (270) 762-3744.