Newswise — Fireworks, music and keynote address by U.S. Sen. John McCain will be among the highlights April 30 as the University of Florida honors the spring class of 2004 with a special convocation celebration.
The event, the first of its kind at UF, is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on the north lawn of the J. Wayne Reitz Union. It will open with a formal academic processional.
UF President J. Bernard Machen will recognize UF faculty and the accomplishments of its graduating students. McCain will deliver the keynote address, "Why Courage Matters." McCain, R-Arizona, was a naval aviator during the Vietnam War and spent five years as a prisoner of war after his aircraft was shot down. A member of Congress since 1982 and a U.S. senator since 1986, McCain ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000.
The program also will include a digital media presentation produced by the university's Digital Worlds Institute. Music will be provided by the UF School of Music. A reception immediately following the 8:30 p.m. fireworks show will be held in the J. Wayne Reitz Grand Ballroom.
The event free and is open to the public. Chairs and refreshments will be provided. In case of rain, the convocation will move to the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
McCain will also sign his new book, Why Courage Matters, at the UF Welcome Center and Bookstore, on Museum Road on campus, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 30.
For additional information, call Lynne Collis, UF's commencement coordinator, at 352-846-3501 or visit http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/commencement/.
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