A very large infestation of honey bees has been located in the walls of Keppel Auditorium and is forcing Catawba College’s commencement exercises to be relocated to the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. Because of seating capacity in the chapel, which is less than half of that in Keppel Auditorium, the morning graduation ceremony will be divided.

Graduates earning the bachelor of arts degree will have their ceremony at 10 a.m. in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.  Seating will begin at 9 a.m.

Graduates earning the bachelor of fine arts and the bachelor of science degrees will have their ceremony at noon in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. Seating will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Graduates in the School of Evening and Graduate Studies (those earning the master of education, the bachelor of arts education, and the bachelor of business administration degrees) will have their ceremony at 2 p.m. in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. Seating will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Please note that the roadway between Oliver’s Way and the main entrance into Keppel Auditorium is being blocked off.  All pedestrians should avoid that particular exterior area due to bees swarming.  All graduation-associated activities previously scheduled in the Robertson College-Community Center are being relocated.

Graduates should inform their guests of these changes and also what degree they will be receiving.  Only guests of the specific degrees being awarded at specific times in the chapel will be admitted.  All other guests may assemble inside the library awaiting the next exercise.

Catawba have plans to accommodate guests of graduates who have special needs in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.

For the graduation exercises, faculty should assemble in the Center for the Environment as usual.  Graduates for each of the ceremonies will assemble in front of the library a half hour before their respective ceremony to form the processional line.

Tonight, the Marshal’s Walk will occur, however, using a different route in and around the Chapel Circle toward the Shuford Science building.  The reception following the Marshal’s Walk will be held outside in front of the Corriher-Linn-Black Library. Restroom facilities will be available inside the library.