As the semester draws to a close, members of the Temple community are busy preparing for the university's 122nd annual Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m. in the Liacouras Center.

More than 4,200 students who have completed degree requirements since last July will participate in the event. Overall, eligible graduates comprise 4,995 bachelor's degree, 1,292 master's degree, 802 first professional degree, 320 doctoral degree and 34 associate degree and certificate candidates. The graduates come from 82 nations and 47 states (including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) and range in age from 20 to 77.

For those participating in the ceremony, the Liacouras Center will open at 8:30 a.m. Graduating students should report in academic regalia to the loading dock entrance, on Broad Street near Cecil B. Moore Avenue, no later than 9:15 a.m. The procession will step off at 9:50 a.m.

Faculty and senior administrators are also invited to participate in the ceremony in academic regalia. For more information, contact the Office of Special Events via e-mail at rsvp@temple.edu.

Highlighting the program will be the salute to graduates by Temple President Ann Weaver Hart. The Honorable Anthony J. Scirica, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in recognition of his public service contributions and professional achievement and leadership.

Kendrick B. Davis, who is graduating from the College of Engineering, is the selected student speaker, and Professor Karen M. Turner, of the School of Communications and Theater, will offer remarks on behalf of the faculty. Greetings will be brought by Daniel H. Polett, chair of the Board of Trustees and Trustee Ulrick P. Joseph, president of the Alumni Association.

The program also includes selections by the Temple University Commencement Band, under the baton of Professor Arthur D. Chodoroff; an inspirational reading by History Professor David Farber; and a performance of The National Anthem by Boyer College of Music and Dance student Ryan C. Connelly. Jan C. Ting will serve as chief marshal.

For more information about Commencement activities, including parking details and individual school and college ceremonies, visit the 2009 Commencement web site.