MISSOULA – The University of Montana is hosting its first ever fall commencement Saturday at 9 a.m.
More than 700 students are graduating from the university this semester, and 157 of them will be going through the ceremony.
On Friday the announcers, flag bearers and school deans practiced a walk through rehearsal. Students and staff helped set up the stage, bring out diplomas and prepare for the event.
The procession was moved from the University Center Ballroom to the George Dennison theater to accommodate the demand.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox is the keynote speaker.
University of Montana President Seth Bodner says this new commencement option offers a chance to celebrate students who are graduating in the fall, but are unable to attend spring commencement.
“We wanna have the opportunity for students who finish at different times in the year to be able to walk across the stage, have this ceremony and really mark the important completion of their studies,” Bodnar said.
Students will be lining up inside the Gallagher Business Building around 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Tickets are required to attend, and the RSVP deadline has passed. For those still wishing to watch, there will be a livestream in the business building and KPAX will have coverage of the event during tomorrow night’s newscast.
— Story by Katie Miller – MTN News
