Summer - Lee University

Commencement 2008COMMENCEMENTOn Saturday morning, for the second year in a row, inclement weather movedthe commencement ceremony from the “plenty of seats for everyone” location of the soccerfield to the Walker Arena. Even with its enlargement two years ago, Walker Arena capacitylimited seniors to five tickets each, but the hundreds who experienced commencement viaConn Center closed-circuit were offered a multi-camera view.With the Walker Arena bleachers and hundreds of seats on the floor filled, the Class of2008 began its processional. Every friend and relative in the stands anticipated the entrance oftheir special graduate—or graduates—and when spotted emotions ran high, expressed in awhoop, wave or tears, or all three. On commencement day, every graduate is a celebrity.After an invocation by Vocal Music Chair Dr. LuAnn Holden, President Conn welcomedeveryone and recognized the other celebrities in the crowd: the relatives, starting with thoseproud parents. Special music this year was offered by the Lee Singers, followed by a resolutionpassed the day before by the Lee Board of Directors and read aloud by Chairman Darrell Ricehonoring the life, leadership, and legacy of former president Dr. Charles W. Conn who passedaway March 18.President Conn withChristin Huff, the10,000th graduateof his presidency.