AUSTIN, Texas — Academic scholars, corporate executives and public leaders are among the speakers for the 2016 fall convocation ceremonies held by schools and colleges at The University of Texas at Austin on Dec. 3.
In honor of graduating students receiving their degrees during Fall Commencement, the university’s Tower will be lighted orange, with “16” 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.
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, Dec. 3, with the exception of spaces marked “At All Times.”
Construction on the MoPac Expressway may add to travel times, and attendees are advised to plan accordingly. Up-to-date information on scheduled construction work and related lane closures can be found at http://mopacexpress.com.
A map for navigating campus during commencement weekend, including information about construction and road closures, is available at http://commencement.utexas.edu/getting-around/maps.
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. 2 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. 3
9 a.m. Cockrell School of Engineering, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Scott Sheffield, B.S. ’75, CEO and chairman, Pioneer Natural Resources
9 a.m. School of Nursing, Bass Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center. Speaker: Deborah Volker, Ph.D. ’99, associate professor of nursing
9 a.m. School of Social Work, LBJ Auditorium. Speaker: Reginald Smith, B.S.W. ’16, member of the graduating class chosen by peers
Noon. Moody College of Communication, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Juliet García, Ph.D. ’76, senior adviser to the chancellor, University of Texas System
Noon. College of Education, Bass Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center. Speaker: Paul Cruz, Ph.D. ’95, B.S. ’87, superintendent, Austin Independent School District
1 p.m. Jackson School of Geosciences, McCullough Theatre. Speaker: Scott Tinker, director, Bureau of Economic Geology and Edwin Allday Centennial Chair in Subsurface Geology. Note: Tickets are required.
3 p.m. College of Fine Arts, LBJ Auditorium. Speaker: Penelope Davies, associate professor and Distinguished Teaching Professor of art history
3 p.m. College of Liberal Arts, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: Larry Carver, director, Liberal Arts Honors Program and Doyle Professor in Western Civilization
3:30 p.m. McCombs School of Business, Bass Concert Hall, Performing Arts Center. Speaker: Joe E. Holt, managing director and vice chairman of commercial banking, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
7 p.m. College of Natural Sciences, Frank Erwin Center. Speaker: James Scott, B.S. ’93, M.A. ’96, principal software engineer, Raytheon
