Media Advisory: Commencement Convocation to take place this Sunday

ATTENTION: Higher education and general assignment reporters; weekend, photo and TV news assignment desks

WHAT

The University of California, Berkeley’s 2010 Commencement Convocation, a colorful ceremony honoring all graduating seniors. More than 1,000 students in their caps and gowns, along with faculty members in colorful regalia, will process into Haas Pavilion to Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” No diplomas are issued at convocation, but graduates each will receive a bear pin as they march to their seats. More than 11,000 tickets have been distributed for the event.

WHEN

This Sunday, May 16, 2-4 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m.

WHERE

Walter Haas Jr. Pavilion, UC Berkeley, at Dana Street and Bancroft Way. For a campus map, click here.

WHO

This year’s keynote speaker is acclaimed filmmaker and Webby Award founder Tiffany Shlain. Other speakers will include Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau and top graduating senior Josh Biddle, who will receive the University Medal for his scholarship, public service and amazing life story. Biddle’s 100-year-old Great-aunt Velma will be among the family members attending. Read more about Biddle here.

DETAILS

Members of the news media wishing to cover Commencement Convocation should R.S.V.P. to Yasmin Anwar at (510) 643-7944, (510) 529-9006 or [email protected] ASAP. Media should bring credentials and check in at a sidewalk-level table to the right of the staircase that leads to the pavilion’s main entrance off Spieker Plaza. Due to the location of convocation and to athletic events scheduled for that day, parking will be extremely limited, with no reserved media spaces.

Media wishing to cover individual department graduation ceremonies during the month of May should make arrangements with the respective graduation coordinators and check with them for updates on possible speaker or schedule changes. Graduation schedule and contact information can be found here.