Honors College's Medals Ceremony to be simulcast to accommodate expected crowd

5/3/2012

The Schreyer Honors College's Medals Ceremony on Friday will be held in Eisenhower Auditorium with a live simulcast of the event projected in 100 Thomas Building.

The use of the two venues is the result of a record-number of graduating Schreyer Scholars and an exceedingly high demand from family members and other guests requesting to view the Medals Ceremony. Doors at each venue will open at 4:00 p.m. Once the 2,400-seat Eisenhower Auditorium reaches capacity, all remaining guests will be directed to nearby 100 Thomas. Thomas Building is about 200 yards away from Eisenhower. Honors College staff and undergraduate students will be on hand to direct and assist the guests. There are no tickets for admission to either venue.

"The support of family and friends is an integral part of our Scholars' success, and it is fitting that so many people want to join in recognizing our students' achievements during the Medals Ceremony," said Dr. Christian M. M. Brady, the college's dean. "Given the unprecedented interest in Friday's event, the simulcast is the best way to allow everyone who wants to see the ceremony to do so. As we look to future graduation ceremonies, we will be addressing in the coming weeks how best to meet the needs of an ever-increasing number of guests."

Prior to the ceremony, the college will be holding an open house reception at the Hintz Alumni Center from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The Medals Ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. There are 443 graduating Schreyer Scholars expected to be in attendance. There are a total of 478 Schreyer Scholars who will be graduating during Penn State's commencement exercises this weekend at University Park, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, and Penn State Behrend.