More than 1400 graduate at Spring Commencement

Fort Worth, TX

5/7/2011

TCU bestowed degrees on 1,478 students at its spring Commencement, graduating students from 39 states, including Texas, and 34 countries in two formal ceremonies held in Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. Students received their diplomas from Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.

Of the total number of degree candidates, 1,170 received bachelor's degrees (25 received double degrees), 246 received master's degrees and 36 were Ph.D. candidates. Of those graduating, 419 students received Latin Honors, including three with a 4.0 GPA.

The morning event consisted of 753 candidates receiving degrees from the Neeley School of Business, College of Fine Arts, AddRan College of Liberal Arts, and University Programs. Chancellor Dr. Victor J. Boschini delivered the Commencement address. The TCU Commencement Band, under the direction of Bobby R. Francis, Brian Youngblood and Jeremy Strickland, played for both ceremonies. The class of 1961 was in attendance, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation.

The 725 students who graduated in the afternoon represent College of Communication, College of Education, College of Science & Engineering, and Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Brite Divinity School graduated 26 students. In addition to Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. and Provost Nowell Donovan, the platform party for both ceremonies included Rev. Jeremy Albers, chaplain to the University, as well as vice chancellors, deans and Cabinet members. TCU Board of Trustee members Luther King, John Pinkerton, Colby Siratt, Joan Rogers and Jerry Ray attended the morning ceremony and Trustees Luther King, Dani Cartwright, John Davis and Jerry Ray attended the afternoon ceremony.

In an interesting sidelight for the annals of TCU history, during the morning ceremony, the University awarded a bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree to Sam Hong, an exceptional music student who graduated at age 16. He will return to TCU in August to enter the School of Music’s Artist Diploma program, characterized as a program for advanced and gifted young performers who, by their performance and credentials, demonstrate that they have serious potential to become concert artists. The program is designed to provide intensive study and performance opportunities under the guidance of master teachers in preparation for a concert career.

For more information on commencement and for a gallery of photos, visit www.commencement.tcu.edu.