More than 2,715 Weber State University students have applied for graduation and will be honored during the 150th convocations ceremonies Dec. 15, beginning at 8 a.m.

“We are proud of what our graduating students have accomplished and wish them well in pursuing their post-graduation dreams,” WSU President Charles A. Wight said. “Of course, we encourage all of our graduates to come back and visit their professors,colleagues and others who made an impact on them.”

Former lieutenant governor and WSU alumnus Gregory S. Bell will deliver the keynote address. Bell was Utah’s seventh lieutenant governor. He spent 23 years serving in state and local politics.

Bell worked as vice president of United Savings and as a partner at Kirton & McConkie law firm (now Kirton McConkie). He also built a successful real estate business. Bell is currently the president and CEO of the Utah Hospital Association, an organization dedicated to health care policy and advocacy. He will serve as the next chairman of the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees beginning Dec. 13.

WSU’s December graduation events are different from years past. Due to the large number of graduates, each college will host its own convocations at varying times throughout the day. Previously WSU has held a combined December commencement ceremony.

“With this new format, students can spend more time with their peers in the various colleges and less time waiting to be called up to the stage,” Wight said. “This day is all about our graduates’ experiences.”

Each college has been assigned a specific time and location. The three convocation locations are the Dee Events Center, Val A. Browning Center and the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

All graduates who attend the ceremonies will receive a commemorative medallion with the WSU presidential seal in honor of their achievement.

“Putting Students Through,” a program honoring parents, spouses and friends of graduates, will be held in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

Parking will be free throughout the day on Dec. 15. Campus shuttle buses will run every five minutes from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with stops at the Dee Events Center, Val A. Browning Center, Stewart Library and McKay Education Building.

Guest tickets are not required. However, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduates with special needs should contact the director of Disability Services, Don Guthrie, at 801-626-6856.

Visit weber.edu/commencement for more information on individual college convocations.