* WHO :* Nearly 4,000 graduatesand more than 10,000 friends and relatives

* WHAT :* West Virginia Universitys 136 th Commencement

* WHEN :* Sunday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. Doors open at noon.

* WHERE :* WVU Coliseum

* HIGHLIGHTS :

  • Gov. Joe Manchin III , WVU alumnus, is the 2005 Commencement speaker and an honorary degree recipient.
  • Outgoing student body president Jordan Workman, Class of 2005, will deliver the student address.
  • Ann E. Kincaid, Class of 2005 vocal performance major in WVU s College of Creative Arts, will performTime to Say Goodbye.
  • The University Choir, under the direction of Kathleen Shannon, will performMy Home Among the Hills,the WVU alma mater and other selections
  • Sept. 11, 2001, one of the defining moments for the Class of 2005most of whom entered the University shortly before the 9/11 terrorist attackswill be remembered with a special tribute.
  • WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. will present the Order of Vandalia, Presidents Distinguished Service Awards and honorary degrees.
  • University Marshal Jan Yeager will lead the processional

* NOTE : Limited seating for print media will be available in press row, just off the main concourse as you enter the blue gate. Videographers and photographers are welcome to roam the main floor with proper identification/media credentials.

A mult box will be set up for broadcast media at the far back corner of the Coliseum floor.

Dignitaries will be donning their regalia in the Jerry West Lounge at the Coliseum just prior to the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. Contact News&Information Services, 304-293-6997, for possible interviews and/or photos.

See Becky Lofstead at press row for copies of press kits, including remarks by Gov. Manchin and President Hardesty.

For more information, including a complete list of individual college and school convocations and receptions, visitwww.wvu.edu/commencement/.