Since 1999, fall commencements have been held in Sturgis Physical Education Center to relieve overcrowding during the spring ceremony.
Last spring, however, the commencement was successfully held on the lawn of Cone-Bottoms Hall. Overcrowding was no longer a problem.
This year Ouachita will hold its final fall commencement. Director of Admissions Judy Jones said the students who will be graduating in December of 2010 will receive an invitation to participate in the spring ceremony.
“Ouachita held only one commencement each year for more than 100 years of its history,” Jones said. “All students who complete degree requirements in the summer or fall are invited back to participate in the spring ceremony. We are merely returning to our long-standing tradition of having only one ceremony per year.”
Senior biology major Zachary Campbell is excited about being in the last fall commencement ever.
“I am very happy to be graduating no matter what time of year it is,” Campbell said. “I think OBU should continue to have a fall graduation, and it is unfair for the people that had planned to graduate next fall. Fall is a great time for graduation because it is a beautiful time in Arkansas and symbolizes the beginning of something new.”
Jones said faculty members are delighted to receive the guests and honor the graduating students.
“Right now, we have 80 students on our list for the Dec. 20 commencement,” Jones said. “We are looking forward to commencement. We are working hard to make it very special for the 80 graduates and their guests. We will have a reception following the ceremony to honor the graduates and all of their guests.”
