Jackson State University’s 2015 Spring Commencement on Saturday will be taped by the C-SPAN network, featuring the keynote speech by Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the NAACP. The event will air at a later date.
In addition, plans have been announced for the Graduate Commencement Friday, along with events leading up to both exercises.
“C-SPAN has hired a camera crew to cover the commencement address,” confirmed Joe Feeney, assignment editor for C-SPAN, and arrangements have been made for the event starting at 8 a.m. at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.
Besides hundreds of JSU students preparing for the big day, excitement is building for having Brooks, 54, a lawyer and activist, to speak.
Brooks was named head of the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely respected grassroots-based civil rights organization last May.
He is a graduate of JSU with a bachelor’s in Political Science, and has earned a Master of Divinity at Boston University and a law degree from Yale University.
As NAACP CEO, Brooks says he is working with the leadership and membership “to build an NAACP that is multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and one million members strong.”
In addition, the agenda has been set and parking and shuttles are specified for both graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies, starting Thursday, according to Dr. Sheila Porterfield, associate dean, JSU College of Business.
And on Friday, JSU’s Dr. Ricardo A. Brown, dean of the College of Public Service, will speak as keynote for the graduate commencement ceremonies.
A sought‐after lecturer, researcher, and educator, Brown began his tenure at JSU in July 2013. He is as a veteran administrator, noted cardiovascular physiologist and researcher, an informed and engaged mentor, and an active community service leader.
Parking, seating and disability services
“If you have any difficulties regarding mobility, it is strongly advised that you bring your own mobility aid (i.e. wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers),” according to Monica Wall-Jones, assistant director of Disability Services and ADA Compliance.
Disabled Parking
Limited disabled parking will be available in certain designated lots for those in need of special parking. Spaces will be provided on a first-come, first served basis. When these reserve lots are full, parking will be available in the regular parking areas. You will be directed to the disabled parking area. A state issued handi-plate or placard must be in or on your vehicle.
There will be campus shuttles to transport individuals with or without special needs around the campus from the various parking lots to the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium, or JSU Stadium throughout the ceremony.
Seating
Special seating is reserved by ticket only for guests who require specials seating because of age, illness or physical impairment. It is the graduate’s responsibility to pick up the ticket prior to commencement. It is also recommended for the individuals to be seated 30 minutes to an hour prior to commencement.
Arrival time begins:
- May 01, 2015 4:00 p.m.
- May 02, 2015 6:30 a.m.
You must have a ticket for the special seating area. Please visit the Center for Support and Disability Services office thru April 28, to reserve a seat and receive your ticket. Please note that only one family member may accompany the person with special needs, and the rest of the family must be seated in the stands.
Sign Language Interpreters
Sign language interpretation of the ceremony will be provided.
For more information, contact the Center, Suite 2110, 2nd floor Student Center; call (601) 979-3704 or email: monica.w.jones@jsums.edu
Graduate Commencement Parking:
According to JSU Police Lt. Janet Samuel, parking May 1 at the Athletic Assembly Center includes:
South Parking Lot — VIPs
South and Southwest Parking Lot — Special Needs
North Lot —Golden Diplomas
West Parking Lot — General Parking
Pearl Parking Lot — General Parking
John A. People Parking Lot — General Parking
Just Science Hall Parking Lot — General Parking
Tiger World Parking Lot — General Parking
Eastview Parking Lot — General Parking
Agenda Up to and Including Graduate and Undergraduate Commencements:
Alumni Chapter Fair for Graduating Students
Sponsored by – Jackson State University Alumni and Constituency Relations Thursday, April 30
9 a.m. Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Practice Exercise for the Jackson State University 2015 Spring Graduate Commencement Exercise
Thursday, April 30, 2015
10 a.m. Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Practice Exercise for the Jackson State University 2015 Spring Undergraduate Commencement Exercise
Thursday, April 30
1 p.m. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Commencement Picnic immediately following
Sponsored by – Jackson State University Alumni and Constituency Relations
Jackson State University Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony Friday, May 1
1 p.m. JSU Student Center Ballroom A
Reception immediately follows in Ballroom B.
Jackson State University Air Force ROTC Commissioning Ceremony Friday, May 1
2:30 p.m. School of Engineering Auditorium
Reception immediately follows in CSET Faculty Lounge
Jackson State University Graduate Studies Exemplary Scholars Recognition Reception Friday, May 1
3:30 – 5 p.m. JSU School of Engineering Atrium
Jackson State University 2015 Spring Graduate Commencement Exercises Friday, May 1
6 p.m. (Doors close at 5:45 p.m.) Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center
Class of 1965 – Golden Diploma Recipients will be recognized
Jackson State University 2015 Spring Undergraduate Commencement Exercises Saturday, May 2
8 a.m. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
For more information, contact Porterfield at 601-979-2263.