61st Commencement
Holyoke Community College
Saturday, May 31, 2008, 10:00 a.m.

The O'Connell Memorial Soccer Field (if sunny)
The David M. Bartley Center

for Athletics and Recreation (if it rains*)

The college will confer associate degrees and certificates during commencement ceremonies, Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m.

No tickets are necessary if commencement is outside.

Graduates should go to the large tent in the O parking lot at 9 a.m.

If it rains, the graduates will receive three tickets each for three guests for the indoor ceremonies, which will be held in the Bartley Center. These tickets will be distributed along with caps and gowns in the Bookstore. Extra tickets MAY be available and will be distributed at the Bookstore on Tuesday, May 27 on a first-come first-served basis (2 additional tickets per graduate).

Members of the media may call Anne B. Sroka, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at (413) 552-2259 or Natalia Muñoz, Acting Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations at (413) 552-2183 for more information. The event will be American Sign Language interpreted.

Information for everyone
• Commencement Program
• Parking at HCC
• Directions to HCC
• Accommodations for those with disabilities
• Inclement weather
• Distinguished Service Award Recipients
• Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair Recipient -
• Photography by Chappell Graduation Images

Information for graduates
• Commencement procedure
• Robes and tassels
• Graduation requirements

• Other graduation season events

The Commencement Program
This year, Holyoke Community College will confer more than 800 associate’s degrees and certificates. Parking will be available in all parking lots, with the exception of P and O, which are reserved for those needing handicap parking. To view a map of the campus lots, click on http://www.hcc.edu/images/HCCMap.jpg

President William F. Messner will introduce speakers, which include the recipient of the 2008 Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair for Teaching Excellence, the Class of 2008 orator Sarah Vazquez, and student vocalist Shakira Henley-Fernandez.

The college will also recognize two individuals with Distinguished Service Awards. This honor recognizes the achievements of individuals whose dedication and outstanding service to HCC have enhanced the value of the undergraduate experience and improved the quality of life for all on campus. The recipients of this award are:

Holyoke resident Dr. Ned Barowsky (chiropractic physician and retiring chair of the Board of Trustees) and Westfield resident Pamela Murray (retiring alumni representative to the Board of Trustees).

For the Graduate
Graduates should plan to pick up a graduation envelope and report to parking lot O (behind the Bartley Center) by 9 a.m., preferably with their caps and gowns. Graduation envelopes will be organized alphabetically by last name and distributed from tables, which will be located in a tent in parking lot O.

Students with disabilities who need accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at (413) 552-2417, Donahue 131 before May 18. The entire ceremony will be American Sign Language interpreted. There will be handicap parking available in lots P and O.

If it rains, commencement will be held in the Bartley Center and each graduate will receive tickets for three guests. To confirm the location of the ceremonies on May 31, call (413) 552-2900 ext. 1418. If it rains, students will line up in "O" lot. If the sun is shining, they will line up under the big tent.

The graduation envelope will contain a tassel (to be hung on the right side) and one card which will be handed to a college official as the graduate walks across the stage. Diplomas will be mailed.

From now until May 18, students may pick up their caps and gowns at the HCC bookstore.  There is no fee for the basic attire, but Phi Theta Kappa students will be assessed a $29.00 charge for their stole and tassel.  When they pick up their gowns, all students will also receive four formal invitations.  If the ceremony is held indoors because of rain graduates will receive three admission tickets to the ceremony that will be held in the Bartley Center.

Caps, gowns and invitations can be picked up at the HCC Bookstore as follows:

• Wed. & Thur.,  May 7 & 8, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Mon. & Tue.,  May 12 & 13, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Wed.-Fri.,  May 14-16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Mon.-Fri.,  May 19-23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Additional information
• Diplomas will not be released to students with outstanding obligations to HCC (e.g., parking tickets, library books, fines, etc.). For more information about graduation requirements, see the latest HCC catalogue, available on the HCC website: http://www.hcc.edu/

• Chappell Graduation Images will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma. You will receive a color proof from Chappell, with no obligation to order. For questions or to place orders, contact them at www.chappell.com or (800) 424-3686.

Graduation Season at HCC

continues with these events:

• Thursday May 14, 6:00 p.m.

STRIVE (Students Together Reach Individual Visions of Excellence) Graduate and Transfer Reception

Picknelly Dining Room, Frost 265    

This event recognizes the achievements of graduating and transferring STRIVE students who will complete their studies at HCC this spring. Participants will receive certificates of achievement. For more information, call Erica Carlson at (413) 552-2332.

• Tuesday May 20, 7 p.m.

Spring Athletic Awards Dinner

Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation

Two students each from HCC’s tennis, golf, baseball, and softball teams will be honored with Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. This is by invitation only. For more information call (413) 552-2162

• Tuesday, May 20, 5 p.m.

HCC Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Reception

Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation

This event gives Foundation donors a chance to meet the many students who will receive HCC Foundation Scholarships this year. It is by invitation only. For more information, call the HCC Foundation at (413) 552-2546.

• Thursday, May 22, 6:30 p.m.

2008 Academic Awards Night

Leslie Phillips Forum

Students will be honored for their academic achievements. Honorees and two guests will receive invitations to this event. Faculty and staff should receive invitations the week of May 7.  For more information call the Office of Academic Affairs at (413) 522-2589

• Friday, May 30, 6 p.m.

Registered Nurse Pinning Ceremony

Leslie Phillips Forum

Forty-four HCC’s students who have completed their associates of nursing degree will participate in the annual pinning ceremony, which symbolizes their entrance into the profession. Former Interim Nursing Dean, Patricia Triggs will speak. This event is open to family and friends of the graduates.  For more information please call the Division of Nursing Education at (413) 522-2443.

 

• Friday, June 27, 6 p.m.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Pinning Ceremony

Leslie Phillips Forum

In this event, graduates of HCC’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate program will receive pins, signifying their entry into the profession. This event is open to family, friends, and graduates. For more information call the Division of Nursing Education at (413) 522-2443.