The countdown to FGCU Commencement has begun. Picked up your cap and gown yet? Friday, Dec. 11 is the last day you can get them at the bookstore.
Here are some other important tidbits for graduates and their families:
Mortarboard madness
The FGCU Student Alumni Association hosts a cap decorating party 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 for grads who want to glam up their mortarboards. Glitter, markers, sequins and other supplies will be provided along with free pizza in the Cohen Center Ballroom.
Grad Bash
Fall graduates join the ranks of more than 22,133 FGCU alumni. Get the party started at Grad Bash, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 at Bar Louie in Gulf Coast Town Center. Toast your classmates and receive a free souvenir cup. There will be music, food and prizes. This is also your last chance to sign the official class banner. Register for the party here and see who else is going. Bar Louie, City Furniture and GEICO are sponsoring this event. For more info, call Angela Kunkle at 239-590-1075 or email [email protected].
Commencement
Two ceremonies will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 at Alico Arena, with more than 900 degrees being conferred by President Wilson G. Bradshaw. The 9 a.m. ceremony is for students graduating from the College of Education, Lutgert College of Business and College of Health Professions and Social Work. Doors open for guests at 8 a.m. The 1 p.m. ceremony is for those earning degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences and the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering. Doors open at noon. Each ceremony lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Alico Arena policy prohibits balloons and loud noise makers, and they will not be allowed indoors.
Guest speaker
Mei-Mei Chan Kirk, former president of The News-Press and Florida Regional President for the Gannett Company, will be the speaker at both ceremonies. She is a noted leader in the media industry, with a unique blend of experience in news, advertising, marketing and circulation. A dynamic strategist, she sparked a regional focus on education, workforce and economic development in partnership with FGCU. Chan Kirk helped start USA Today in 1982 and also worked at the Chicago Sun-Times and the Seattle Times.
Parking
Park in the lots adjacent to the arena, or in overflow parking in Garages 1 and 3 near the Cohen Center and McTarnaghan/Howard Halls. Guests should arrive early in case they have to walk to the arena from the garages.
Special assistance
Guests needing special assistance or disability seating can request an accommodation by calling Adaptive Services at 239-590-7956 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Accessible seating is limited. Reasonable accommodations will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. More info here.
Photography
Guests are not allowed on the main floor or in the aisles and entranceways to take pictures. A professional photography company has been hired to take photos of each candidate crossing the stage and after receiving the diploma cover. Grad Images will send proofs to candidates directly with the opportunity to purchase photos.
Webcast
Go to www.fgcu.edu on Saturday to find live streaming of commencement.
Top 10 bachelor’s degrees awarded
- Communication: 83
- Resort & Hospitality Management: 72
- Management: 60
- Psychology: 59
- Criminal Justice: 52
- Marketing: 48
- Biology: 44
- Accounting: 33
- Finance: 29
- Environmental Studies and Elementary Education (tie): 28