UT Dallas to Celebrate More Than 2,100 New Grads
Class of 2011 Witnessed Extensive Changes in its 4 Years on Campus
May 12, 2011
Pomp and circumstance will be the order of the day on May 13 and 14, when UT Dallas plans to honor 2,155 graduates at spring commencement ceremonies.
Commencement Schedule | |
The schedule of commencment events at the UT Dallas Activity Center is as follows: Friday, May 13, 2011 | |
| 10 a.m. | Honors Convocation |
| 1 p.m. | Management Undergraduates |
| 4 p.m. | Management Graduates |
| Saturday, May 14, 2011 | |
| 9 a.m. | Arts and Humanities |
| Natural Sciences and Mathematics | |
| 12 p.m. | Engineering and Computer Science |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | |
| 3 p.m. | Behavioral and Brain Sciences |
| Economic, Political and Policy Sciences | |
The ceremonies – five in all – will take place in the University’s Activity Center. The ceremonies on Friday are scheduled for 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday’s begin at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The 2011 graduates witnessed major changes on the UT Dallas campus, including the openings of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory (NSERL), the University’s first Residence Hall, the Student Services Building and the Science Learning Center. The Spirit Rocks were installed and the official Fight Song was adopted, as Comet spirit continued to grow among students.
“This year’s graduating class has seen the transformation of UT Dallas,” said Dr. Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres, dean of undergraduate education. “They did not just endure the construction but led the change. During their four years, the campus has gone from sterile to stunning.”
In keeping with UT Dallas tradition, five students have been chosen as commencement speakers. In order of their appearance, the speakers, degrees and schools are:
- Remsen Jennings — bachelor of science in accounting and finance from the School of Management.
- Taimoor Nawabi – master of business administration from the School of Management.
- Archana Madhavan – bachelor of science in molecular biology from the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
- James Issac — bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.
- Dina Shahrokhi — bachelor of arts in political science from the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.
UT Dallas President David E. Daniel also will address the graduates, their families, friends and supporters.
Memories on the Mall, located on the University’s renovated main concourse, will have an expanded presence at Spring Commencement. When each ceremony concludes, graduates and their families are encouraged to make their way to the mall via Chess Plaza. Each of the seven schools will greet graduates following their respective ceremonies, where they can take advantage of photo opportunities, receive a special gift and collect their Comet alumni benefits cards.
“This new tradition welcomes graduates into the alumni community right after they receive their diplomas,” said Erin Dougherty, director of alumni relations. “Memories on the Mall highlights this major accomplishment in their lives in a picturesque, familiar setting.”
Among those expected to receive degrees are 989 graduate and PhD students and 1,166 undergraduate candidates.
Those unable to attend the ceremonies can watch a live video stream of the proceedings online.
or the Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, newscenter@utdallas.edu
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Commencement Speakers
James Issac |
Remsen Jennings |
Archana Madhavan |
Taimoor Nawabi |
Dina Shahrokhi |
Watching the Ceremonies
Parking Details
Ample parking will be available in Lot I near the University Conference Center. Overflow parking will be available in Lots M, Q, C and D. Parking for those with disabilities will be available in Lot J.
Guests are advised to arrive early so they may park and make their way to the north entrance of the Activity Center well before ceremonies begin. University Police will be on hand to assist guests with directions.
