Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE -As leaves change color to rustic hues, and snow flurries begin to fall from the sky, students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are preparing for finals and that ever anticipated walk across the stage to receive their college diplomas.

This December there are approximately 428 graduates, which in relation to previous December commencement ceremonies is about the same. "In the last four to five years we have had between 400 and 425 graduates in December," said UWP Registrar Ed Deneen. According to the registrar's office, as of Dec. 4, there were 106 students from the College of Engineering, Math and Science; 120 from the College of Liberal Arts and Education; 143 from the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture; as well as 59 graduate students who will be receiving their diplomas.

Commencement features key speakers Jerold Franke and Dede Holverson. Franke is an UWP graduate from 1973 and was chosen as the main speaker because of his "professional career related success." He is currently the president of WISPARK LLC in Milwaukee. Holverson is the valedictorian speaker, and represents the college of LAE. She was chosen based on "a variety of factors including an interview and critique" by the commencement committee. The commencement committee consists of 20 people from UWP including representatives from all colleges, administration, and student body.

Fall commencement is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 2 p.m. in Williams Fieldhouse.