Rwanda President To Be Keynote Speaker At William Penn Graduation
William Penn University
William Penn University will hold its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Penn Activity Center (PAC). Doors will open to the public at 11:00 a.m. For those that are unable to attend, the Communication Research Institute will live stream the ceremony via the web on William Penn University’s homepage, www.wmpenn.edu.
His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, will address nearly 370 graduates as this year’s commencement speaker. Due to the high profile nature of the keynote speaker, there will be extra security measures taken the day of graduation. Faculty, staff, graduates and guests are advised to arrive early and to use discretion when carrying personal belongings. Each individual will have to pass through a metal detector and any item that could be used as a weapon will be collected upon entry and can be picked up after the event. Such items would include: pocket knives, scissors, pepper spray or mace, or compressed gas containers.
Graduates, faculty, and staff are to enter through the south doors of the gymnasium and will not be allowed to bring in bags or purses. Family members, friends, and other guests must enter through the doors on the west side of the Penn Activity Center, on North E Street. All bags will be searched and/or scanned.
Shuttle service provided by the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation trail carts will drop attendees off at the appropriate entrances. Sodexo Food Services will have light refreshments and snack items available for purchase from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the PAC.
As with any leader or head of state, there are those who support, and those who oppose President Kagame. William Penn University has been notified by those who oppose President Kagame that a small assembly of protestors will be present on the day of commencement. WPU and the Quaker community strongly believe in this country’s First Amendment and support the protesters’ rights to express themselves in a peaceful manner. William Penn does not foresee the presence of protestors to be an issue or interfere with the day’s activities because the group has also contacted local law enforcement to ensure that they are in compliance with city ordinances.
Following commencement exercises, the William Penn University Alumni Association will hold the traditional Blue and Gold Ceremony. This ceremony serves as the official induction into the Alumni Association for all members of the class of 2012. For questions or further information on commencement exercises, contact Dianne Burns at 641-673-1076.
