Mount Olive College cancels Friday classes, Saturday graduation
By From staff reports
Published in News on August 25, 2011 1:46 PM
With Hurricane Irene expected to at least bring heavy rains and possibly more to Wayne County on Saturday, Mount Olive College officials announced late Wednesday their decision to postpone their planned graduation ceremonies.
The college's 58th annual summer commencement, which was scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, will be held instead at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.
Officials said the 250 students scheduled to graduate will all be notified individually and that all degrees will still be conferred officially on Saturday and diplomas mailed out Monday.
"We understand the need for students to receive their degrees in the planned time frame," MOC President Dr. Philip Kerstetter said in a written statement. "But we also recognize our responsibility for keeping our students and their families safe. Moving commencement will allow our students the opportunity to safely have all the traditional pomp and circumstance they expect and deserve. Mailing the diplomas next week will ensure that students can pursue their professional goals on schedule."
The college also is canceling its Friday classes and encouraging students who are able to return home for the weekend, although officials said provisions will be made for any student who cannot travel.
For more information, visit www.moc.edu. Other messages will be made available through the college's Campus Alert text and phone system.