³ÉÈ˶¶Òõ

SALISBURY, MD---This spring, to accommodate a graduating class of 1,152, the largest in its history, Salisbury University will hold two commencement ceremonies.  Also, in what is believed to be another first, ceremonies will be on a weekday.

Commencement for the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business and the Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies is at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22, in the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Ceremonies for the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts and the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology follow at 2 p.m.

These changes were made to better accommodate graduating seniors and their families, said Dr. Mary T. Gillespie, project manager in the Office of the Provost.

“Students requested that commencement occur after final examinations, but not on the Saturday during Memorial Day weekend, and that more tickets be available for guests,” she said.

This year, ceremonies are on the Thursday after final exams. In the morning commencement for SU’s two professional schools, 390 students receive the Bachelor of Science, 54 the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and one the Bachelor of Arts. Graduate degrees include the Master of Business Administration--43, Master of Education--27, Master of Social Work--20 and Master of Science—four. A total of 539 graduate.

In the afternoon, for arts and sciences, 343 receive the Bachelor of Arts, 233 the Bachelor of Science and 11 the Bachelor of Fine Arts.  Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts--19 and Master of Science—seven. A total of 613 graduate.

Senior Jennifer Rexroth, an elementary education major from Bel Air, MD, delivers the commencement address for the professional schools. She compares the time immediately following graduation to her first day of kindergarten, when everything was new and a bit scary.

“Even though we’re uncertain about where we’re going at this point in our lives, everything will turn out,” she believes. “Never settle for something that doesn’t make you truly happy.”

Senior Andrew Stuhl, a biology major from Elkton, MD, delivers the afternoon address for arts and sciences.

“If you truly want something, such as a change or experience, you are responsible for making it happen. There is no such thing as being over-committed,” he said.

Rexroth plans to teach after graduation.  Stuhl plans to live in Germany for the summer then pursue a career in outdoor education.

     Admission to commencement is by ticket only. Receptions follow both ceremonies at University Hill, behind the Guerrieri University Center. Rain location is inside the Center. Receptions do not require tickets.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõWeb site at www.salisbury.edu.