Friday, May 16th is a special day. You will graduate! After four (or more) years of being a college student, your accomplishment will be recognized; you will receive your baccalaureate degree and be welcomed into "the company of educated men and women." At Wagner College, as at most U.S. colleges and universities, we celebrate this event in two ways--a Baccalaureate Service on Thursday, May 15th, and then the Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 16th..

Baccalaureate is a Latin word meaning the bachelor's degree, its literal meaning is bacca (berry) plus laureus (of laurel) - the kind of prize that ancient olympians received for winning a track or field event. The name remains although your prize is more valuable - a degree! For most of you, that degree represents a fair amount of hard work and sacrifice by many people; your parents and other members of your family, your teachers, probably some friends and, of course, yourself.

In thanksgiving, a Baccalaureate Service will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 3:00 pm in the Sutter Gymnasium of the Spiro Sports Center. (Students do not need to wear caps and gowns for this ceremony; but they should dress in business attire.) Graduation is a most appropriate occasion for thanksgiving. The Service will end by 4:00 pm and the Senior Toast follows immediately after.

Please report to the Sutter Gymnasium of the Spiro Sports Center no later than 2:30 pm. Students will line up inside of the building for the Baccalaureate Processional. I'll be looking for you.

Congratulations!

Richard Guarasci
President

P.S. Check with someone who attended last year; it's an event not to be missed!