NASHVILLE, Tenn.–The recent rainstorms have forced Vanderbilt to move its main Commencement ceremony from Alumni Lawn to Memorial Gym Friday, May 9. This is only the second time in more than 30 years that Memorial Gym, the alternate location, has been used for Commencement. Approximately 2,400 students will receive diplomas at Vanderbilt University’s graduation exercises starting at 9 a.m. at Memorial Gym, near West End Avenue and 25th Avenue South at Vanderbilt Place. Chancellor Gordon Gee will give the Commencement address to the graduates. After Chancellor Gee’s address, the deans of the graduate and professional schools will award diplomas in separate ceremonies. Those locations and times have not been changed. For the sixth year, the ceremony will be cybercast live starting at 9 a.m. with a link at www.vanderbilt.edu For more Commencement information, go to www.vanderbilt.edu/commencement/Commence.html Media Parking:A limited number of parking spaces for print and television photographers will be available at Kensington Garage on 25th Avenue South next to Memorial Gym. All media must show valid news identification to park.
Media Credentials:News photographers who want access to the graduates’ seating area and the area immediately in front of the stage must have media credentials from the Vanderbilt News Service. Credentials can be picked up at the Kensington Garage entrance between 8 a.m. and 9: 30 a.m. on Commencement day. To request credentials, call Emily Pearce at 322-2706. On Commencement day, call 322-NEWS to reach a member of the News Service. (A mult box will be available stage right.)
Media contact: Emily Pearce, 615-322-NEWS, emily.pearce@vanderbilt.edu </A>