UNLV plans first December graduation

Friday, Dec. 18, 1998 | 11:37 a.m.

When 400 or more new UNLV graduates receive their diploma Saturday, they will be the first ever to do so in December ceremonies.

The university, which is growing at a rate of more than 5 percent per year, established the December commencement in response to requests from students who would otherwise have to wait until May to participate in graduation ceremonies.

"Students approached the administration about it, and the administration responded positively. The anticipation is that it will become more and more popular," said Diane Russell, UNLV public information specialist.

Ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. at the Earl Wilson Baseball Stadium on the UNLV campus. This will be the 36th graduation ceremony at UNLV.

Honorary doctorates will be bestowed upon Barbara Greenspun, publisher of the Las Vegas Sun, and Gov. Bob Miller.

Last May, 1,346 UNLV students graduated; this December, some 1,100 students are candidates for graduation. Another 732 graduated in August without ceremonies.

Degrees will be awarded from the following colleges to students who have chosen to participate in the ceremonies:

College of Education, 90; College of Business, 63; College of Liberal Arts, 58; College of Health Sciences, 50; College of Hotel Management, 45; College of Urban Affairs, 45; College of Engineering, 28; College of Fine Arts, 14; College of Science, 9.