Spring 2008 Commencement
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Time/Location: Noon at the Louis J. Tullio Arena
Candidates should report to the lower level parking ramp at the northeast corner of Ninth and French Streets no later than 11:15 a.m. to allow sufficient time for final instructions, dressing in academic regalia, and formation in the staging area.
If graduates are not planning to attend the commencement ceremony, please complete the form included in this section and return it to the College Registrar, 12 Erie Hall, 4651 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563-0201.
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Dr, Jeffrey K. Pinto, Professor of Management
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Candidates planning to attend the ceremony need to R.S.V.P. by stopping by the Registrar's table during Senior Salute Days on Monday, April 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Tuesday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Reed Union Building Wintergarden.
Caps, Gowns, Rings, and Announcement Cards
Students participating in the academic procession and ceremony must wear caps and gowns, which can be purchased during Senior Salute Days in the Reed Union Building Wintergarden. At this time, students may purchase class rings and personalized commencement announcement cards. For more information, please contact the Penn State Bookstore at 814-898-6236.
Diplomas
All candidates for graduation will receive verification notices from the University Registrar showing how their names will appear on their diplomas. If the name is incorrect, students should file a request for a name change promptly.
Photography
To commemorate this milestone occasion, a professional photograph is taken of each graduate being congratulated by the Chancellor. Prior to commencement, a mailing will be sent that details this arrangement, including how to place an order. If students or their families do not receive a mailing by May 4, they may call Sonney's Photography at 814-825-1800.
To avoid congestion and to maintain decorum in the ceremony, we ask that family and friends refrain from approaching the platform when taking pictures or using a video camera.
Travel and Accommodations
This site includes information about transportation, directions to campus, nearby hotels and directions to the Tullio Arena.
Directions to the Tullio Arena
Please avoid State Street. The Erie Zoo's 43rd annual Zoo Parade will be in full swing that morning, so it will be important to avoid State Street. The simplest way to do that will be to turn south on Holland Street from the Bayfront Parkway.
I-90 from the east (Buffalo): Take I-90 East to Exit 32 and follow the Bayfront Connector to Holland Street. Turn left (south) on Holland Street and park in one of the areas shown on the map.
I-90 from the west (Cleveland): Take I-90 West to I-79 North. Follow the Bayfront Parkway to Holland Street. Turn right (south) on Holland Street and park in one of the areas shown on the map.
I-79 from the south (Pittsburgh): Take I-79 North, which becomes the Bayfront Parkway. Turn right (south) on Holland Street and park in one of the areas shown on the map.
Parking
Family and friends are encouraged to arrive with sufficient time to park and walk to the Tullio Arena before the processional begins. We suggest that guests arrive no later than one half hour before the ceremony. Parking is widely available in the vicinity of the arena on Saturday. Please see map.