May graduates invited to participate in Aug. 17 ceremony

            The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has invited graduates who were scheduled to receive diplomas in UNL's May 4 baccalaureate degree ceremony to participate in its Aug. 17 commencement ceremony at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

            The May 4 ceremony was scheduled to be held outdoors in Memorial Stadium due to the unavailability of the Bob Devaney Sports Center and Pinnacle Bank Arena. However, foul weather forced cancellation of the ceremony and graduates received degrees in the Hawks Championship Center.

            UNL's August commencement ceremonies are scheduled to be the first events in the new Pinnacle Bank Arena. Graduate degrees will be conferred on Aug. 16 and bachelor's degrees on Aug. 17.

            Chancellor Harvey Perlman sent the following email invitation on June 18 to May 4 graduates. Graduates who did not receive the email and would like to participate in the Aug. 17 ceremony should contact Graduation Services at gradsvcs@unl.edu.

"Dear Graduate (personalized):

            "When you received your diploma from UNL in May, the weather stopped our plans for the traditional commencement ceremony that was to have been held in Memorial Stadium. I know many of you, or your parents, were disappointed that you were not able to walk across the stage. So today I am writing to invite you to participate in the University’s August 17 commencement to be held at the new Pinnacle Bank Arena at 9:30 a.m.

            "If you choose to attend, you will be seated with your respective College and will walk across the stage. You will receive an envelope as though you were receiving your diploma and your photograph will be professionally taken. If you want to participate, and no longer have your cap and gown from May, the university will provide those items for you.

            "If you would like to participate in the August 17 ceremony, please follow the link below and let us know of your intention by July 8. If you indicate you will participate in summer commencement, you will receive a follow-up email with additional details by July 12 and ceremony instructions by August 10.

            "I know that many of you may be unable to take advantage of this opportunity because you are no longer in Nebraska or are fully engaged with other activities. I hope the disappointment of the lack of the formal ceremony did not detract from your pride in the accomplishment of receiving a degree. Please join us if you can in August. In any event, you have my best wishes for your future success.

"Sincerely,

Harvey Perlman

Chancellor"

            The email concluded with a link to an online form to confirm participation in the ceremony.