Graduation commencement ceremonies will take place May 11 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Moody Coliseum, honoring just under 500 students graduating from the university.

Dr. Eric Gumm, registrar and director of the First-Year Program and Academic Development, said 497 students have been cleared to graduate, with students split evenly between the two ceremonies. He projects over 6,000 individuals attending both ceremonies.

The featured speaker for the ceremonies will be Elise Mitchell (’83), owner of Mitchell Communications Group in Fayetteville, Ark., and recipient of many distinguished business awards, said Gumm.

The event will gather students, families and friends together to celebrate the undergraduates’ accomplishments while at the university.

“The most exciting part about graduation is that families and friends come together in celebration,” said Carly McClung, senior nutrition major from Grants Pass, Ore.

McClung looks forward to having her family at ACU for the first time.

“Graduating is like finishing a marathon. It’s definitely an accomplishment,” she said. “There have been struggles and cheers, but you finish feeling kind of like you can do anything. It’s a good feeling.”

Other seniors agree.

“I’m most looking forward to taking the leap of faith that my professors have equipped me to do,” said Bethany Morgan, senior Ad/PR major from Nocona.

Commencement will be similar to past years, but the set up of the stage will be different. The stage this year will be lower to the ground, similar to the stage used for Chapel, and will use ramps to accommodate handicapped students.

“One of the many reasons students should come to rehearsal is to understand how it will work, particularly with the new stage setup,” Gumm said.

Rehearsal for commencement will take place on May 10. The 11 a.m. graduates will attend a 3 p.m. rehearsal, and the 3 p.m. graduates will attend a 4:15 p.m. rehearsal. All students are encouraged to participate.

“I am looking forward to celebrating the last four years and this next phase of life,” said Allye Foster, senior communications major from Lubbock. “It’s an exciting time.”

For more graduation information, visit www.acu.edu/campusoffices/registrar/graduation/.