As we approach the date for the 2007 Thomas College Commencement, I would like to share with you some information about the events planned for that weekend.

Announcements will be available in the bookstore beginning Monday, April 16. Fifteen announcements are provided as part of the graduation fee. Additional announcements may be obtained for a fee of $1.00 each while supplies last. Caps and gowns will be in the bookstore beginning Monday, April 30. Bookstore hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday. If you find that you will be unable to pick up your cap and gown during these times, please e-mail us at bookstore@thomas.edu or call the bookstore at 207-872-6167.

The College will recognize all students graduating with honors at a special event on Friday, May 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the Ayotte Auditorium. We encourage you and your families to attend.

Immediately following the awards ceremony, the Class of 2007 Dinner for all graduates and their families will be held in the Student Atrium. Hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the Atrium with dinner following. The Student Dining Center doors will open at 6:00 p.m. to receive graduates and guests for dinner. Tickets for the dinner are required.

Because space for the Class of 2007 dinner is limited, graduates may initially reserve up to three tickets, one for themselves and two guests. Graduates will be the guests of the College, and tickets for family members and guests will be $5 per person. Requests for additional guest tickets will be entered on a wait list and considered after April 6. Graduates are encouraged to register for dinner by April 6 by returning the attached form to Stephen Mattice in Student Financial Services (Room 102). You may also email him at sfs@thomas.edu or telephone 207-859-1108 or extension 108.

Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. in the gym. Please make every effort to attend so you will know your place in the procession. A cap and gown are not required for rehearsal, but you may wish to pick them up on that day. The bookstore will be open until 3:30 p.m. for your convenience. It will also be open on Commencement Day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 12. The ceremony will be held in our new Harold Alfond Athletic Center. Please let your guests know that tickets will not be required and that seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Anyone requiring special needs or accommodations please contact Valerie Sirois at siroisv@thomas.edu or telephone 207-859-1405 or extension 405. All graduates must be present in cap and gown to line up at 12:15 p.m. Please register in the gym lobby and then sit with your degree section in the bleachers. The procession will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Immediately following graduation, there will be a reception in the Dining Center. Commencement photos will be available from Margit Studios (margitstudio.com) approximately two weeks after graduation.

Information for day students regarding class trip, class gift, and other senior week activities may be obtained from Dustin Brown, senior class president. For more information, contact Dustin at his e-mail address, brownd@thomas.edu. Information on area accommodations is available on the Thomas College web site at http://www.thomas.edu/geninfo/directions.asp#accom Discounted rates for individuals attending the Thomas College commencement are available at the Holiday Inn. Please contact the hotel directly at 1-800-785-0111.

I look forward to joining you all for this very special event. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at withamj@thomas.edu or telephone 207-859-1362 or extension 362.