Graduating students prepare to enter 'real world'

By: Nick Bruno

Posted: 12/17/08

UW-Whitewater has 662 students scheduled to graduate Saturday. The winter 2008 commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the Kachel Fieldhouse.

There are 95 students graduating from the College of Arts and Communication, 179 students graduating from the College of Business and Economics, 143 students graduating from the College of Education, and 163 students graduating from the College of Letters and Sciences. There are also 82 students who will be receiving a master's degree.

"It's a milestone in the lives of all the individuals, and we like to celebrate that milestone," Chancellor Richard Telfer said. "Whether it's a bachelor's or a master's degree, it's a great accomplishment for all these people."

Although graduation begins at 10 a.m., all guests need to be seated by 9:45 a.m. Telfer said this rule is in place because they would like to begin on time.

"Obviously, we try to start at 10 a.m., so people need to be there earlier," Telfer said. "Family members and friends need tickets. We give a certain number of tickets to each graduate, and the graduate is responsible for distributing them."

If a guest is under the age of two years, he or she does not need a ticket. All other guests will need a ticket in order to attend the ceremony.

Senior Jessica Makely, one of the graduating students, said she is looking forward to end this chapter of her life. Makely plans on attending graduate school upon her graduation from UW-Whitewater.

"I am really excited," Makely said. "It's mixed emotions because now I have to go out into the real world. I am really excited to have accomplished a four-year degree."

Telfer said the winter graduation ceremonies are different because they are considerably smaller. He said in spring at least 1,200 people typically graduate with bachelor's degrees and about 200 people graduate with master's degrees.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on television, and Drumlin Hall will play the entire ceremony and provide seating. The ceremony will last approximately two and a half hours. No food or beverages are allowed at the ceremony.

For questions about the commencement ceremony, call Student Life at (262) 472-1533.

Call the University Bookstore at (262) 472-5632 for questions regarding caps and gowns or announcements.