This story was originally published by Teddi Barron with the Iowa State News Service.
Iowa State University President Steven Leath this morning (April 29) announced a new location for ISU’s spring undergraduate commencement ceremony. The May 7 celebration will be moved to Jack Trice Stadium, the university’s largest venue.
University officials predict attendance at this spring’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will exceed capacity at the traditional Hilton Coliseum location.
Iowa State’s spring 2016 graduating class, approaching 4,600 candidates, has set a new record. At least half participate in the university undergraduate commencement ceremony, and they bring with them plenty of friends and family who want to watch their graduates cross the stage to mark their achievement.
“It has long been Iowa State’s tradition to ensure everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony,” President Leath wrote in a letter to ISU students, faculty and staff. “This will be an exciting venue for our graduates and guests. Last fall, we completed a stunning renovation of Jack Trice Stadium, closing in the south end zone and creating an attractive new entrance. It is one of the most beautiful college stadiums in the country and offers easy access and parking.”
University Registrar Laura Doering, whose office coordinates the ceremony, promises all the traditional pomp and circumstance associated with the university’s most important event will remain in place, along with a fun surprise or two given the new outdoor location.
The move to Jack Trice Stadium does not affect individual college convocations and receptions, or the graduate (May 5, 7:30 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum) or veterinary medicine (May 7, noon at Stephens Auditorium) commencement ceremonies.
Ceremony details
What: Spring 2016 undergraduate commencement ceremony
Where: Jack Trice Stadium
When: Saturday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m.; doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Parking: Free parking is available in lots surrounding Jack Trice Stadium. Lot 85E will be reserved for platform officials and dignitaries. Lot S3 will be reserved for handicap permit holders and persons with disabilities.
Entrance: Gates 3 (south side) and 5 (northwest side)
Seating: Guests will be seated on the west side of Jack Trice Stadium
Concessions: Limited refreshments will be available for sale at the stadium.
Livestream: Livestream video will be shown at Stephens Auditorium and online at http://www.graduation.iastate.edu/video.
Ceremony speaker
U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz will address the undergraduates. http://www.graduation.iastate.edu/spring2016speaker
Information for graduates
Graduates participating in the undergraduate commencement ceremony should wear their regalia and report to the Bergstrom Football Complex no later than 12:15 p.m. on May 7 for the processional lineup.
Details regarding all spring university commencement ceremonies are available online at www.graduation.iastate.edu.
Weather
The extended forecast for May 7 is 75 degrees and partly cloudy. In the event of inclement weather, the undergraduate commencement ceremony will return to Hilton Coliseum, with overflow seating in Stephens Auditorium. (The commencement livestream and seating in Stephens will be available regardless of weather.)
If a decision is made to return the event to Hilton Coliseum due to weather, the Office of the Registrar will provide an official notice by noon on Friday, May 6, on the ISU homepage at www.iastate.edu.