VCU Spring Commencement Set for Saturday

By Anne Buckley

Virginia Commonwealth University will award approximately 4,300 degrees during its 2010 spring commencement exercises on Saturday.

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is this year’s commencement speaker. The commencement ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at the Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St. Doors will open at 9 a.m.

In recent years, Her Highness has been recognized internationally for her leadership in various areas. In 2007, she was awarded the prestigious Chatham House Award, which is given annually to a leading international statesperson who is deemed to have made the most significant contribution to the improvement of international relations in the previous year. Also in 2007, Forbes magazine named Her Highness one of the 100 most powerful women in the world, and The Times of London named her one of the 25 most influential business leaders in the Middle East.

Media credentials are required for access to the floor of the coliseum and reserved media seating in section 16L. The credentials can be obtained from VCU Communications & Public Relations during business hours, starting Wednesday, May 19, at 816 W. Franklin St., or from a staff member at the Fifth Street entrance of the coliseum on the day of commencement. Proof of media affiliation is required to receive credentials.

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. About 2,800 students are expected to attend the ceremony. More information on VCU’s 2010 commencement, including the schedule of departmental ceremonies, can be found at www.vcu.edu/commencement.