News Releases
Indiana University Bloomington to hold Baccalaureate service before Commencement
May 2, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Baccalaureate, an interfaith celebration of academic achievement, will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6 — the day before Indiana University Bloomington's Commencement ceremonies. All members of the Class of 2005 and their parents, family, and friends are invited to attend the event at the IU Auditorium, 1211 E. 7th St.
The event is free and will last approximately 45 minutes. No registration is required in order to attend.
Reflecting the world citizenship of the IU Bloomington community, Baccalaureate incorporates elements from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, including prayers for strength, guidance, and wisdom from each of these faith traditions. The event will also include music, a blessing of the graduates, and a message delivered by IUB Chancellor Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis.
The word baccalaureate is steeped in academic tradition. In use since at least the eighth century, baccalaureate has come to refer not only to a degree that is awarded at Commencement, but also to a spiritual observance that celebrates achievement and aspiration.
Baccalaureate follows the Graduation Send-Off at Bryan House, a short walk from the IU Auditorium. The Graduation Send-Off will last from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
IU Bloomington's Commencement ceremonies will be held on May 7 at Assembly Hall, 1001 E. 17th St. The morning ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and the afternoon ceremony at 3 p.m.
Pay parking for Baccalaureate is available at the Indiana Memorial Union, 900 E. 7th St., and at the Jordan Avenue parking garage, which is located north of Read Hall, 125 S. Jordan Ave., between 3rd and 7th Streets. Handicapped parking is available at the IU Auditorium.
For additional information about attending Baccalaureate, contact Rebecca Keith at (812) 855-1713 or (800) 824-3044.
The Indiana University Alumni Association serves the university and its more than 466,000 living graduates through programs, services, and communications. One of the nation's largest alumni organizations, the IUAA strives daily to connect alumni and serve IU. For more information, visit www.alumni.indiana.edu or call (800) 824-3044.