VCU Sets Plans for May 16 Commencement

By Anne Buckley

Virginia Commonwealth University will confer more than 2,500 degrees during its 2009 spring commencement exercises on May 16.

Francis Collins, former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, is this year’s commencement speaker. The commencement ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at the Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

Media credentials are required for access to the floor of the coliseum and reserved media seating in section 16L. The credentials may be obtained from VCU Communications & Public Relations during business hours, starting Tuesday, May 12, at 816 W. Franklin St., or from a staff member at the Fifth Street entrance of the coliseum on the day of commencement.

Parking will be available in the Fifth Street driveway for media who reserve spaces in advance. Media vehicles either should be marked or should display a media placard.

Students will receive professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees on Saturday. More information on VCU’s 2009 commencement, including the schedule of departmental ceremonies, can be found at www.vcu.edu/commencement.