Because of the overwhelming success of last year's Kickoff to Commencement, the University will again celebrate the graduation of our students with this event. The event will be held Thursday, May 8 from 7 to 9 p.m.
In addition to Kickoff to Commencement, each academic college will hold its own ceremony on May 7, 8, or 9. These ceremonies have been tremendously successful and well attended since they began in 2002. A full schedule of college ceremonies is online.
Last year, close to 3,000 students, family members of graduates, faculty and staff attended Kickoff to Commencement and enjoyed a festive outdoor concert and casual meal on the Joe Johnson/John Ward Pedestrian Mall. UT alumna and country music star Deana Carter provided entertainment while attendees enjoyed dinner and received gifts from the UT National Alumni Association, Senior Gift Committee and the Office of the University Registrar.
Student Government Association representatives also organized the rebirth of a long-standing campus tradition, Aloha Oe. This candlelight ceremony, held at the Torchbearer, is a companion piece to Torch Night and signifies the graduate's continuing journey, reminding them of their pledge to serve the university and their community.
Since this is an event to honor and celebrate our graduates, we want your input in the planning process. In the next week, a number of upcoming graduates will be asked to serve on a planning committee to offer ideas and suggestions for entertainment, activities and publicity. A team of staff members will work with this student committee to plan an entertaining and memorable event.
As we continue our planning process for this year's event, we welcome your comments and feedback. As information is available, it will be posted on the Kickoff to Commencement Web site. Pictures and details from last year's event can also be found on this site.
