AUSTIN, Texas — Academic scholars, corporate executives and a member of the state Legislature are among the speakers for the 2015 fall convocation ceremonies by schools and colleges at The University of Texas at Austin on Dec. 5 and 6.
In honor of graduating students receiving their degrees during the ceremonies, the university’s Tower will be lighted orange with “15” displayed in the windows.
The approximately 2,500 graduates this fall semester include about 2,000 undergraduates, 10 law students and 500 graduate students, according to the Office of the Registrar. Final counts will be available in early January by contacting 512-475-7575.
Convocations at the university’s colleges and schools recognize students individually. Fall graduation activities do not include a university-wide commencement ceremony.
More information about fall convocations is available online at http://www.events.utexas.edu/commencement/fall.
Parking for commencement activities is free in designated areas on a first-come, first-served basis. University parking garages on San Jacinto Boulevard, Brazos Street, Manor Street and Trinity Street will be available along with most surface lots on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, with the exception of spaces marked “At All Times.”
In addition to official convocation and graduation ceremonies, the Texas Exes invite all members of the fall class and their families to The Great Texas Exit, a celebration Dec. 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd.
Speakers for the fall ceremonies are listed below.
Saturday, Dec. 5
9 a.m. Cockrell School of Engineering, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Russell Parker, president of Chief Oil & Gas, Bachelor of Science in Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering.
9 a.m. School of Nursing, Bass Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center. Speaker: state Rep. Donna Howard.
9 a.m. School of Social Work, LBJ Auditorium. Speaker: Chelsea Jones, Bachelor of Social Work chosen by peers.
Noon. Moody College of Communication, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Jennifer Howell, head of comedy development at Paramount Television.
Noon. College of Education, Bass Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center. Speaker: Darla Castelli, professor of kinesiology and health education.
1 p.m. Jackson School of Geosciences, McCullough Theatre. Speaker: Annell Bay, former vice president of global exploration for Marathon Oil Corporation.
3 p.m. College of Fine Arts, LBJ Auditorium. Speaker: Katie Dawson, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
3 p.m. College of Liberal Arts, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Elizabeth Cullingford, professor of English literature and chair of the Department of English.
3:30 p.m. McCombs School of Business, Bass Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center. Speaker: William Cunningham, former UT Austin president and UT System chancellor.
Sunday, Dec. 6
2:30 p.m. College of Natural Sciences, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Stoney Barton, founder of FSTI, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry.
