“While seniors and graduate students may not be ready to think about graduation, the Office of University Events has been planning since last spring,” says Executive Director of University Events Kat Bugg. “We've been holding meetings on ways to make Commencement weekend even better in 2010. There is heightened interest in the planning with the buzz that Michelle Obama will be our speaker.” The first lady has promised to deliver the Commencement address if the GW community completes 100,000 hours of public service this academic year.
The University-wide Commencement ceremony will be held on the National Mall May 16. “The National Mall is a special and unique venue that gives GW graduates and their families a graduation ceremony unlike any other in the nation,” says Lorraine Voles, vice president for external relations. As in previous years, the ceremony is held outdoors rain or shine unless the National Park Service deems it dangerous—a decision that is made only in very extreme circumstances.
One change for 2010 is that the University will no longer use the Verizon Center as its primary alternate site—a decision made during a University-wide post-mortem that included faculty, staff and student representation from across GW. Ms. Voles explains that despite the fact that GW reserves the center years in advance, the Washington Capitals and Wizards have first priority—if either team has a playoff game at home, the University loses its reservation. Given the uncertainty and cost to reserve, the group recommended to not use the Verizon Center.
The University is developing a comprehensive alternative site plan that will include the Charles E. Smith Center along with alternative viewing sites on campus, says Ms. Voles. GW is also working toward a television broadcast for 2010, which in an extreme situation would allow Commencement to be viewed from anywhere in the D.C. region.
Having a “green” commencement is again a University goal, and new this year will be gowns made of recycled plastic, says Ms. Bugg. Another planned change is that with GW’s growing volume of students earning Ph.D.s, the doctoral hooding ceremony will be held in the Charles E. Smith Center instead of Lisner Auditorium, she adds.
Ms. Bugg urges students and guests to book hotels now. She also reminds graduates that Commencement Fair will be held the week after Spring Break from March 24 to 27. The fair is one-stop shopping for caps and gowns, class rings, senior photos, announcements, and special information and services for graduates.
“We love Commencement on the National Mall and are committed to this great George Washington University tradition,” says Ms. Voles.
For more information, visit GW’s Commencement site.