About 470 undergraduate students will cross the stage in Moody Coliseum during two ceremonies Saturday to accept their diplomas.

The first ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. for the graduates in the College of Biblical Studies, the College of Business Administration, the College of Education and Human Services and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. The second ceremony, for the College of Arts and Sciences graduates, will start at 3 p.m.

“I’ve really been looking forward to going out and really living outside of college life,” said Doug Timmons, who will be receiving his degree on Saturday in Information Systems. “I’m equipped to tackle my dreams better than when I first came out of high school, and I’m ready to move ahead in life.”

Dr. Cole Bennett, associate professor of English, interim chair of the English department and director of the Writing Center, will be the commencement speaker at both ceremonies.

Youth ministry major Arielle Shepard, a senior from Abilene who will graduate in the 11 a.m. commencement, said she feels like she has been transitioning from college life into the community gradually during the semester.

“I’m staying in Abilene to work, and I’m excited for this experience in the new stage of life to which the Lord has led me,” Shepard said.

Rehearsals will take place in Moody during the late afternoon on Friday. Receptions will follow both commencements, and will be in the mall area of campus again this year because of construction on the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Signs will direct students and participants to ther academic departments and colleges, and faculty and administrators will be there to greet graduates and their guests.

Seating for either commencement in Moody Coliseum is not limited or ticketed, but families are advised to arrive early for better seats. Also, the bottom rows of sections A and L will be reserved for those with special needs.

For more information on the graduation commencements, visit www.acu.edu/campusoffices/registrar/graduation/index.html.

To see a complete list of graduates visit: http://www.acuoptimist.com/2011/05/list-of-2010-2011-graduates-and-undergraduates/