Western Carolina University will honor its fall graduating class and recognize a group of graduates who received their degrees after this year’s summer school sessions, as the university holds fall commencement at 2 p.m., Dec. 17.

The ceremony at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center is open to everyone, and no tickets are required for admission. Chancellor David Belcher will preside over his first commencement as the university’s chief executive officer and deliver the charge to the fall semester degree candidates and summer graduates.

WCU’s fall class includes about 650 students who are currently completing academic requirements to receive their degrees. Graduates who completed degree requirements during summer school and who already have been conferred degrees also are eligible to participate in the ceremony. About 770 current students and summer graduates are expected to don caps and gowns for the event.

WCU senior Richard Anderson Miller, a Candler native who is majoring in philosophy and international studies, will deliver the primary commencement address.

The commencement audience should enter the Ramsey Center through one of four upper concourse doors. Those with physical disabilities should use the northeastern upper entrance, adjacent to the stands of E.J. Whitmire Stadium.

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