UWA graduating more than 800 Dec. 8

Undergraduate and graduate degrees conferred, four to be inducted into Golden Key

The University of West Alabama will honor more than 800 graduates during fall commencement exercises Saturday, Dec. 8. The undergraduate ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in Pruitt Gymnasium on the UWA campus. The graduate ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m., also at Pruitt Gymnasium. Presidential Receptions will be held prior to each ceremony and are open to all graduates and their guests at 8 a.m. and noon in the Bell Conference Center.

Guests must have tickets, which are available from the graduates, to attend each ceremony in Pruitt Gymnasium. Overflow seating to watch the commencement exercises will be available in Bibb Graves Auditorium. Ceremonies will also be streamed live online at www.uwa.edu/live.

The University will confer degrees in the colleges of liberal arts, natural sciences and mathematics, business, and education during the morning ceremony, and the school of graduate studies during the afternoon ceremony.

The University will recognize students graduating from the UWA Honors Program and those graduating with honors. There will also be special recognition for the faculty recipients of the Nellie McCrory Service Excellence Award, the McIlwain Bell Trustee Professor Award and the William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching.

The University will also induct four individuals into the Society of the Golden Key, a prestigious organization established to honor University alumni, faculty, and staff who have brought distinction to their alma mater through exceptional service in their fields. The four inductees are Jeffrey Newman of Millport, Ala., George Traweek of Berry, Ala., Ken Tucker of Livingston, Ala., and Houston Young of Foley, Ala.

An honorary doctorate of laws will be presented to Steve Campora of both Sacramento, Calif., and Livingston.

Director of Choral Activities Christopher Shelt will lead the UWA Choirs in a special performance honoring graduates. Reverend Carl Sudduth will give the invocation and benediction.

For more information on UWA Commencement Exercises, contact Dr. Tina N. Jones, commencement chairperson, at tnj@uwa.edu or 205-652-3833.