May 5, 1997

Grad day beckons to seniors

By Matt Pitcher

or many, a four- (or plus) year journey will end with a short walk, a little tassle and a piece of paper.

SMU will hold its 82nd annual commencement ceremony on May 17 at 9:30 a.m. in Moody Coliseum.

Mike Lovins, a senior economics and philosophy major at SMU, said he is excited that former Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff and Congressman from Wyoming Dick Cheney, will give the address.

"He is obviously a very good selection," Lovins said. "His being in the public eye for all these years lends him credibility as a national figure who people will want to see."

Other students around campus said they agreed.

"I think seniors are particularly pleased to have Cheney speak," Keith Richard, a senior finance major, said.

Ryan Nelson, former Students' Association secretary and sophomore class council president, said Cheney's strong ties with the SMU community will bring a large crowd.

"Cheney sits on our board of trustees and is very well known to SMU," Nelson said. "We should be proud to have him speak on our campus."

Cheney now serves as president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board at Halliburton Company in Dallas.

"Dick Cheney has exhibited leadership and vision internationally in both government and business," President R. Gerald Turner said. "He has made decisions that have influenced world history and has received his country's highest honors. SMU is pleased to have him as a member of the Board of Trustees and is honored he will present this year's commencement address."

Before seniors can attend Cheney's commencement, however, they must get a ticket at the registrar's office in 110 Perkins Administration Building.

"People who will be graduating or walking in the May commencement ceremonies must pick up a ticket for themselves from May 1 to May 14 at 5 p.m.," said Margo Lee, assistant manager of academic ceremonies. "Guests do not need tickets to attend the baccalaureate services on Friday night or the commencement ceremony on Saturday morning."

Lee said seniors can go directly to the registrar's office and pick up the ticket or mail or fax a request letter.

Seniors can rent caps and gowns at the SMU bookstore the week of graduation.

"There is no need to preorder or prepay for your cap and gown," Catherine Prokesh, SMU bookstore representative, said. "A full size selection will be available for fitting at the bookstore from May 10-16."

Seniors may take regalia with them, she said, but it must be returned after the diploma ceremony on commencement day. The bookstore will remain open until 8:30 p.m. on May 17.

"Each graduate is welcome to keep their cap and tassel as a souvenir," Prokesh said.

Diploma frames may also be purchased at the SMU bookstore at any time. Frame styles and prices vary.

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