By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-939794.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky students who finish their degrees in August or December no longer have to wait until May to participate in graduation ceremonies. Some 635 graduate and undergraduates will put on a cap and gown this Friday for UK's first-ever December commencement.
"It puts the capstone on your degree. It allows the entire community to celebrate with you, and it marks your achievement that you've been working on for years," says Dr. Pat Whitlow, UK's Assistant Provost for Academic Administration
Whitlow says also new this year, students will shake hands with President Lee Todd while their name and major are displayed on a large screen.
"In the past, at the main ceremony, the undergraduates didn't walk across the stage. So this is a big change; everybody gets the individual recognition, their families will be able to see them."
The December commencement is part of a three year pilot project for the university. So far Whitlow says organizers are very pleased with the number of participants.
Outgoing UK President Dr. Lee Todd will speak at both ceremonies. Degrees for doctoral and master's candidates will be conferred at 3 p.m. Friday at the Singletary Center. Bachelor's degrees will be announced at 6 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum.