The end of the year often brings excitement for summer that’s only a few weeks away. For some, however, the year ends with commencement — a celebration of all the achievements students have achieved during their time at Gannon University.
Gannon’s 2018 Spring Commencement Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5.
Graduates, family and friends are invited to start their day by attending the Baccalaureate Mass that will be held at 10 a.m. at Saint Peter Cathedral, located at 230 W. 10th St. Parking will be available in the GTE lot on the southeast corner of West 10th and Sassafras streets.
The Mass is a celebration of the university community. This occasion is a time to thank God for all that the graduates have accomplished, and for continued guidance in their future.
Following the Mass, Gannon will host a reception in the Yehl Ballroom of the Waldron Campus Center from 11 a.m. until noon in honor of the graduates, families and fellow guests.
Graduates will then be asked to proceed to Erie Insurance Arena to assemble in the lower level at 1 p.m. before the Commencement Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Seating will be reserved on the main floor for the faculty, staff, graduates and special guests.
While each graduate’s name is read during the ceremony, attendees are asked to remain seated ensuring that each graduate has the time to receive recognition.
Professional photographers will be taking photos of each graduate, so family and friends are asked to refrain from approaching the stage to take pictures.
After the recessional, when all graduates have left the commencement area, graduates and their families are welcome to return to the stage to take pictures.
To be sure the ceremony remains a formal and respectful event, items such as food, cans, alcohol, balloons and beverages are not permitted during the ceremony by guests of graduates.
Will Gadson, a senior communication arts and electronic media student, said that he feels a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
“In all honesty, the feeling is strange,” Gadson said. “It doesn’t feel real that I am graduating next week.”
After graduation, Gadson is planning on taking a job as a video and social media director for a company in Erie.
He also hopes to continue coaching basketball at St. Jude School.
Gadson appreciates all the opportunities and friendships he has made over the years.
“What I’m going to miss the most is the time I spend with my friends and members of the Prime Time Sports Guys (PTSG) [at WERG],” Gadson said. “You truly cannot find a bond that we share here at PTSG, and I will miss it greatly.”
Gadson’s advice to fellow students is to enjoy the time you are at Gannon and take advantage of all that Gannon has to offer.
Emma Maxted, a senior in business administration, advises anyone in school to pursue a degree you love.
“Never feel like it is too late to change your mind about majors or even schools,” Maxted said. “You have to do what is ultimately best for you, and everything else will fall into place.”
Maxted said she is going to miss the great connections she has made on campus, specifically all her friends at 90.5 WERG.
“Being a part of campus radio has been one of the major highlights of my time at Gannon,” Maxted said.
Maxted said that overall, she is very excited to graduate.
For all events, tickets are not required, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible seating accommodations are available.
More information on the spring commencement ceremony can be found at gannon.edu.
VERONICA KOWALSKI
[email protected]