Class of 2011 Preps for Sunday's Commencement; Rain Chance Now 40%

May 20, 2011

[UPDATE 5/22 NOON: Commencement ceremonies will begin at 1:30 p.m, one half-hour later than scheduled, to allow a storm system to pass through the area.  Little rain has fallen and the plan is to hold the exercises outdoors.]

Also: Rehearsal Photo Gallery; Latest Weather Forecast; Tim Solso '69 to Deliver Principal Address; Three to Receive Honorary Degrees; Webcast Information; Pre-Order Commencement DVD

May 20, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — Sunny skies and the promise of warmer weather greeted members of DePauw University's Class of 2011 as they gathered this morning for a run-through of Sunday's 172nd commencement ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place in Holton Memorial Quadrangle where the graduates-to-be congregated this morning.  Approximately 530 seniors are expected to march Sunday afternoon; they also had an opportunity to trace the route they'll take through campus before they arrive at the staging area to receive their diplomas. The event begins at 1 p.m. (EST).

The forecast now calls for a 40% chance of stormy weather Sunday, with the precipitation arriving at around 3 p.m., but as veteran observers of Indiana weather are aware, much can change in the next 48 hours.  The expected high temperature on commencement day is 83 degrees.

In the event of inclement weather, the proceedings will be moved indoors to Neal Fieldhouse, which is located within DePauw's Lilly Center.

Get the latest updates on weather conditions here.

The principal address at the 2011 commencement will be delivered by Theodore M. "Tim" Solso, chairman and chief executive officer of Cummins Inc. and 1969 graduate of DePauw University. Solso and two other distinguished individuals -- Cassel Grubb, professor emeritus of music at DePauw and former director of the DePauw University School of Music; and Ian Morris, Jean and Rebecca Willard Professor of Classics and professor of history at Stanford University, will receive honorary doctoral degrees.

Graduating students and their families are invited to join with faculty members, administrators and staff for a multi-faith baccalaureate service Sunday morning in Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church.  The program begins at 9:15 a.m. and will last approximately one hour.

For a fourth consecutive year, the graduation ceremonies will be webcast live. By clicking this link, you'll be able to access a video and audio feed of the complete program.

For the tenth year in a row, DePauw will produce a limited edition commemorative DVD, which is available for pre-order.  The disc, which is professionally replicated, will include footage of each graduate receiving their DePauw diploma as well as a range of bonus materials. Orders are now being accepted at $19.95 for the first disc; additional DVDs sent to the same address will be $8 each (7% sales tax will be added to Indiana orders). An online order form is available here; you can learn more about the disc in this article.

For more information on DePauw's 172nd commencement, click here.

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