Clarion University–Venango Campus Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 10, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Robert W. Rhoades Center Gymnasium

Commencement Speaker

Sonja L. Hawkins, mayor of the city of Oil City, will deliver the Commencement Address. Ms Hawkins has been described as an “extremely energetic, life-time learner.” A native of Tionesta, Ms. Hawkins returned to the region in 1997 from Alaska, where she and her husband lived in the “bush” communities of Dillingham, Kotzebue, and Kodiak, and in the very urban city of Anchorage. In Anchorage, Ms. Hawkins served as principal of Susitna Elementary School, which was named one of the top schools in America by Redbook Magazine during her tenure in 1994. While in Alaska, Ms. Hawkins also owned and operated “Choices,” which provided liaison services between the mental health community and the educational community throughout the state. Ms. Hawkins has been recognized by the Office of the Governor of Alaska, the Alaska State Parent Teachers Association, the Superintendent of Schools for Northwest Arctic School District, and various other educational entities. Upon her return to Pennsylvania, she served as a member of the Clarion University education faculty from 1997 until 2004.

Information for Graduates

When we receive confirmation that you have completed the requirements for graduation from the Registrar’s Office, we will send you a letter that will help you in planning this special day in your lives.

Rehearsal

Rehearsal for Commencement will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Friday, May 9, in the Robert W. Rhoades Center Gymnasium.  All graduates who are participating in the ceremony are required to attend.

Commencement

Robing for the ceremony will be at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, in the Rhoades Center Auditorium.  The ceremony will last approximately one hour. After the ceremony, there will be refreshments for you and your guests to enjoy, compliments of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Tickets

We know that tickets for the Commencement ceremony are of great interest to you, as you want your family and friends to share in your achievement. The number of tickets is determined by the number of graduates; we will know that number in late March. You will be asked how many tickets you require within that set limit.  If don’t need all of the tickets available to you, we ask that you let us know by a certain date, so that others may use them.

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