Thousands expected for Stanford Commencement this weekend

Stanford will host its 116th Commencement Celebration this weekend, with its main event taking place Sunday, June 17, in the renovated stadium. The university expects a crowd of approximately 27,000, including graduates and faculty on the field.

"The newly remodeled stadium has provided a wonderful opportunity to create a more intimate Commencement experience for all attending. And, with the addition of a concourse and other new features, the interior is less cluttered, and people can move around the stadium more easily," says Elaine Enos, executive director of Stanford Events. Last year, the university held separate undergraduate and graduate ceremonies to accommodate students and their families while the stadium was under renovation.

Sunday's Commencement begins at 9:30 a.m. at the stadium with the student processional known as the Wacky Walk. The formal ceremony follows at 10 a.m., with a keynote address by alumnus Dana Gioia, renowned poet, literary critic and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. The program concludes at noon.

According to preliminary numbers provided by the Registrar's Office, the undergraduate Class of 2007 comprises 1,726 students. The university expects to grant 1,776 bachelor's degrees, 2,153 master's degrees and 1,032 doctoral degrees at Sunday's Commencement.

On Saturday, June 16, at 9:30 a.m. the university will host its annual multifaith Baccalaureate Celebration in the Inner Quadrangle. The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, former Episcopal Bishop of California and president of the United Religions Initiative, will give the keynote. Nikki Pareño Serapio, a senior in political science, will give the student Baccalaureate address.

For a full schedule of Commencement Weekend events, visit http://commencement.stanford.edu/.

Editor Note:

Media will not be required to register in advance for this year's Commencement, but will need to show a valid press credential from an established news organization or law enforcement agency before entering the designated press areas. Access is not guaranteed.

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