SRU Global Graduation Ceremony set for May 9

Slippery Rock University’s Global Graduation Ceremony is set for 6 p.m., May 9 in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. The event recognizes graduates who are international students, international exchange students and American students who study abroad in long-term, credit-bearing programs.

May 2, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's Office of Global Engagement is sponsoring a Global Graduation Ceremony at 6 p.m., May 9 in the Smith Student Center Ballroom.

"They (international students) are really excited," said Noora Alie, SRU international student adviser and the ceremony's organizer. "This event is growing significantly. It's very cheerful and it's a great opportunity to see our international representation on campus."

The Global Graduation Ceremony recognizes graduates who are international students, international exchange students and American students who studied abroad in long-term, credit-bearing programs. As part of the program, graduates are presented with stoles, sashes and pins that they can wear at the University's May 12-13 commencement ceremonies.

International students wear stoles representing the flag of their native country, American students wear a hybrid of the U.S. flag and the flag of the nation where they studied and exchange students are presented a pin.

"We already had a couple students stopping by asking to look at them," Alie said. "The first group was just ecstatic when they received sashes and stoles and the excitement has continued to build."

A total of 35 students (10 international, 10 American study abroad and 15 exchange) and will be recognized at the ceremony with representation from 18 counties, including: Turkey, China, Scotland, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Dominican Republic, Liberia, Canada, France, Spain, Costa Rica and Ireland.

Overall, SRU has 103 international students from more than 31 countries.

Brad Wilson, associate provost for transformational experience, and Philip Way, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, will share remarks at ceremony. Ana Marie Caula, associate professor and chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, will deliver the keynote address.

The ceremony, open to the public, will be followed by a reception.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu