Although University of Memphis President Shirley Raines may not be seen in a FedEx uniform any time soon, she will be delivering plenty of diplomas at FedExForum on Dec. 18.
Nearly 1,100 graduates will participate in the commencement ceremonies held in the new arena.
It was just 11 years ago that The University of Memphis began a new commencement tradition from the Mid-South Coliseum to The Pyramid and now, with another new beginning, many U of M students are delighted about the change.
"I graduated last August in The Pyramid and it was just so hot, so I am hoping that my next graduation at the Forum will be far more comfortable," said Mariko Hammett, political science graduate student.The new arena has more spacious seating than The Pyramid and more handicapped accommodations as well.
"The arena is beautiful and the accommodations are first rate," said Marion Emslie, director of commencement and executive assistant to the vice-president of student affairs. "Much like The Pyramid, the Forum includes a lot of walking, so for information regarding elderly or disabled accommodations, students can visit the website."
Upcoming graduate Patricia Rishty-Belt, senior criminology and criminal justice major, is glad to hear about the handicap and elderly accessibilities.
"My father is coming to watch me graduate and I was glad to hear that the Forum is more handicap accessible," she said. "I even found out that elderly or disabled people can even be loaded or unloaded out of their vehicles."
For some U of M students, this year's graduation will be their first visit to the arena.
"I have not been to the Forum yet, but I have heard it is a nice facility," said Allison Coke-Weatherly, counseling education graduate student.
Coke-Weatherly also said she is proud to be a part of the first class to graduate in the Forum.
"I am so glad to be a part of the initial ceremony there and I am also excited to receive my doctorate in such a nice place," she said.However, other U of M students are saddened by the thought of leaving The Pyramid.
"Out of tradition I was sort of set on graduating at The Pyramid, so I am a little disappointed," said Erica Mukulski, senior journalism major. "In a way, it is exciting because we're the first class to graduate at the Forum, but in another way, we're the first to leave tradition behind."
Since graduation is being held in a new and unfamiliar place for most, Emslie urges graduating students to attend Dec. 1 rehearsal at 6:30 p.m. and log on to the Web site for parking information. The Web site is people.memphis.edu/~commencement.
