COMMENCEMENT: Professor Moorty to Marshal SUU Commencement

Published: May 01, 2006 | Read Time: 4 minutes

The Mace and the Marshal, and Commencement Activities

Traditionally, at the Commencement Exercises of Southern Utah University, the honor of serving as Marshal and carrying the mace is bestowed upon a distinguished, senior member of faculty—and that tradition is certainly continuing in this year’s Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 6, as this year’s Marshal is Dr. Satyam Sikha “S. S.” Moorty, Professor of English.

S.S. received his master’s degree from the University of Delhi, India, and his Ph.D. from the University of Utah. He has been teaching at SUU since 1965 and is retiring this year. One of the many honors S.S. has received while at SUU is the Outstanding Scholar honor last year. See http://www.suu.edu/news/archives/view_archive_articles.asp?HS=May%202005%20Archives&ID=235

The mace of Southern Utah University was sculpted by Carol Ann Lind, granddaughter of J. Howard Maughan, president of the University from 1922-29, then-known as Branch Agricultural College. Used as an instrument of pomp in the commencement ceremony, the mace signifies order and authority in the academic procession, and is carried at an angle of 45-degrees across the chest.

Additionally, there are a host of activities on and surrounding Commencement Day 2006.

On display now in the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery is the traditional Commencement exhibit of Senior Portfolios featuring the work of some of the Class of 2006, culminating their few years of higher education and creative production at SUU.

Beginning Monday, May 1 through Commencement Day, the SUU Bookstore will hold its annual Commencement Sale from 8 am-5 pm.

On Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5, the Alumni Association will host the annual Grad Fair at the Alumni House on the northeast corner of 300 West and University Boulevard, from 9 am-4:30 pm. Graduating students can stop by to pick up their caps and gown, register with the Alumni Association and Career Services, and receive goodies and items for a post-graduation survival kit, so to speak! Faculty and staff will wander in and out to visit with their soon-to-be former students.

On Commencement eve, SUU President Bennion will host a Reception and Buffet for graduates and their family and friends. This event takes place in the Ballroom of the Sharwan Smith Student Center, beginning at 6 pm. There will be a lot of really good food for a really low price, and a short program will recognize student scholars, and outstanding employees. Call the Centrum Box Office to get your tickets now!

Line-up for the march of the Big Day begins at 8 am. The Processional will begin serpentining down through campus at 8:30 am sharp. The main Commencement ceremony begins at 9 am in the Centrum Arena.

Lunch will be served at the Great Indoor Picnic in the Thunderbird Circle dining hall from 11 am – 3 pm. This is a good deal and a fun time for visiting for grads, families, employees, and all campus guests. Call the Centrum Box Office now to get all the tickets you need!

The first set of Convocations runs from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences will hold its celebration in the Centrum Arena.
The College of Science will award its degrees in the Sorenson P.E. Building.
The College of Computing, Integrated Engineering and Technology will conduct its ceremony in the Randall Jones Theatre.

The second set of Convocations runs from 2 – 3 pm.
The College of Education will hold its celebration in the Centrum Arena.
The School of Business will award its degrees in the Sorenson P.E. Building.
The College of Performing and Visual Arts will conduct its ceremony in the Randall Jones Theatre.

The Headquarters for Graduation Information can be found at www.suu.edu/graduation, or by calling 435.586.1997.

--SUU--

Through its more than 100-year history, Southern Utah University has evolved from a teacher training school into its current role as a comprehensive, regional university to 6,000 students from across the globe. It serves the southern region of Utah and contiguous counties in surrounding states with undergraduate and graduate programs in six colleges. People of the region look to the University for outreach services, culture, economic and business development, higher learning, regional history, public affairs, major academic specialties, and significant entertainment and recreation. Accentuated by the notable, economic value of its services, SUU's hallmark is its quality staff, faculty and academics.

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Contact Information:

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