DePauw prepares for Sunday commencement

The stages are literally set for Sunday’s 179th Annual Commencement at DePauw University.

The question just hours before the ceremony begins is, which one will be utilized?

The outdoor setup in Holton Memorial Quadrangle is ready for Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. program, but the weather forecast continues to suggest that conditions may not be ideal.

The forecast has improved from earlier in the week, when it called for an 80 percent chance of rain Sunday. The outlook as of Friday afternoon called for scattered thunderstorms Saturday, but a potentially dry and partly cloudy Sunday morning, with more rain arriving Sunday afternoon. High is expected to be 87 degrees.

In the event of inclement weather, the proceedings will be moved indoors to the Lilly Physical Education and Recreation Center’s Neal Fieldhouse, where a second commencement stage stands ready.

Approximately 475 seniors will be awarded degrees at the ceremony. Civil rights legend, presidential adviser and attorney Vernon E. Jordan Jr., a 1957 graduate of DePauw, will deliver the primary address to the Class of 2018.

Honorary doctorates will be presented to community leaders Jinsie Scott Bingham and Dorothy Chapman Brown and Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor.

Commencement 2018 begins with Baccalaureate, celebrated on Saturday afternoon. The Baccalaureate Service is a celebration of the spirit of DePauw and an opportunity to give thanks for the time spent together over the past four years. The service is an interfaith event that honors the university’s diversity with a particular focus on the wisdom gained from one another and from those who have gone before us.

Featured at this event are two addresses, one from DPU President D. Mark McCoy and one from the faculty speaker, readings from the writing of DePauw Alumni, prayers from our religious traditions and celebratory music from the School of Music.

Because seating in Kresge auditorium is limited, each degree candidate will receive two tickets for guests. Seating in the auditorium is on a first-come first-served basis to ticketed guests. Additional guests may watch the ceremony on a live broadcast in Moore Theatre and Thompson Recital Hall in the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts.

The night before commencement, East College lawn is decorated with lanterns and torches. Champagne and cake are served as a big band plays great American standards. “DePauw Under the Stars” has become a signature event for the weekend, bringing together the entire community – students, families, friends, faculty and staff – to celebrate.