MEDIA ADVISORY
TO: News Directors, Education Reporters and PSA Directors
FROM: University Relations
SUBJECT: UAF Creates New Commencement Tradition at the Carlson Center
DATE: Sunday, May 13, 2001, at 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Carlson Center, 2nd Avenue
The 79th commencement for the University of Alaska Fairbanks will take place Sunday, May 13, 2001 at the Carlson Center on 2nd Avenue in downtown Fairbanks, marking the first time that degrees will be conferred to graduates off College hill in the history of UAF.
"We have outgrown UAF's Patty Center gymnasium and we're excited about the new location," said UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind. "We want the families and friends of our graduates to observe the commencement ceremony in comfort and the Carlson Center provides that."
The Carlson Center is a multi-use community facility owned and operated by the Fairbanks North Star Borough. In addition to hosting several area high school graduation ceremonies, it has also become home to several highly visible and favorite UAF events including the Top of the World basketball tournament and home games for the Nanook hockey team.
"We'll take extra care in carrying UAF's ceremonial traditions to the Carlson, including the pomp and circumstance that make our ceremony special; from the Alaska Native dance group leading our processional, to the recessional led by the drum beats of our own UAF World Beat Ensemble," said Lind. "What better way to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class in the new millennium than by beginning a new tradition for UAF."
Last year 973 degrees were conferred and about half of those students participated in commencement at the standing room only Patty Center. This year there will be plenty of room for UAF staff, faculty and the community is also invited to share in the success of UAF graduates on one of the most important days in their academic career.
The Carlson Center doors open at 12:30 p.m., and the processional begins at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, 2001.
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CONTACT: UAF Public Relations Specialist, Tiffany Seth at 907-474-6438.
CJB/051ma/02/19/01