Senior Parents/Families – Important Information For Commencement

The holidays are almost upon us, Commencement is only 5 months away and, as we get ever closer to Sunday, May 13, I wanted to keep all of you updated with the latest information.

• During January, your senior will be asked to respond to an e-mail from me asking them for the exact number of tickets each graduate will require for the Commencement ceremony in the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.  Your senior will be encouraged to be in communication with you to determine the number of tickets each family will need and the tickets will be distributed to the seniors as they pick up their academic robes in May.  There is no charge for these tickets nor is there a limit to how many a senior may receive.

• By now, most of you have received a mailing from CEWard-National, our agents for graduation products.  You may place an order for announcements by going to www.cewardnational.com (if you are unsure of the type of degree or their major, please consult with your senior) or your senior can place the announcement order when s/he orders academic attire at Senior Fest.

• Seniors  will be attending Senior Fest on Wednesday, February 1 – this is when the seniors purchase their cap, gown, and hood for the Commencement ceremony.  The cost of the attire is $72 (includes tax) and payment is made to CEWard-National by cash, check or credit card (VISA or MasterCard).

• Seniors will have one last opportunity to have their senior portrait taken for the Yearbook during Senior Fest – I will be e-mailing them with information about reserving a sitting time.

• The seniors who are in charge of Senior Events are working on a “Senior Events Package” – in the past this has included such things as a ticket to the Senior Ball and the Senior Boat Cruise.  The  “Senior Events Package” (which can be purchased with cash, check or credit card) will be for sale during Senior Fest.  The price has not been determined yet but it might (check with your senior)  make a nice – albeit delayed – Christmas present.

Well, that is all for right now. I plan to keep giving you Commencement updates through this Parent and Family Newsletter but I also recommend that you go to  www.gonzaga.edu/commencement for all the latest information. Feel free to contact me at prusch@gu.gonzaga.edu or 509-313-5571.

Susie Prusch, Manager, University Events