Upper Iowa University commencement May 9
FAYETTE, Iowa (April 24, 2009)- To accommodate a growing number of graduates, Upper Iowa University this year has planned three separate commencement ceremonies to accommodate the large number of students, their family and friends. All three will be held Saturday, May 9, in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium on the Fayette campus.
"We are gratified that so many students are choosing Upper Iowa University to get their degree," said President Alan G. Walker. "Graduation is the payoff for a student's years of hard work and dedication to achieving a goal. The extra work by faculty and staff to plan and stage three separate ceremonies is a small price to pay to accommodate our growth and make commencement a memorable occasion."
Keynote speaker will be Robert (B.J.) Jackson, a native of the Des Moines, Iowa area and a current student at Upper Iowa University. Jackson lost both legs in 2003 as the result of a landmine accident while serving in Iraq with the Iowa National Guard. Since returning to the states, the husband and father of five, has devoted his time to supporting wounded and disabled veterans. Jackson is currently on tour as the national spokesperson for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes as a motivational speaker. Mr. Jackson also had the opportunity to travel with the Obama campaign, representing the support of all American veterans as well as addressing the importance of veterans' issues. He was recently featured in a PBS special, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change."
Upper Iowa's morning ceremony begins at 10:00 AM in Dorman Gymnasium for the MBA, MPA, Division of Business, and Public Administration majors. The first afternoon ceremony will be held at 1:00 PM in Dorman Gymnasium for the Division of Liberal Arts. The second afternoon ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Dorman Gymnasium for the Master of Education, Division of Education and Division of Math & Science majors.
Morning refreshments and a brunch buffet will also be available on campus for graduates and their families to purchase in the Peacock Pizzazz Snack Bar and Garbee Hall Cafeteria, respectively.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu