After they walk the line May 10 many students will be celebrating their special days in more ways than one. Nashville senior LaKecia Shockley said she has plans with family and friends to celebrate her graduation. “Two nights before, me and my friends are getting together to reminisce about our college experience at Western,” Shockley said.

This is the last Herald ever, for me anyway. In my eyes, and my teachers can attest to this, that means my college career is complete.

It isn’t official until May 10 though. That is the day that I and about 1,300 other students will be slinking away from L.T. Smith Stadium after we walk across the stage and get a hearty handshake from President Gary Ransdell.

Among the many activities and awards taking place during graduation on May 10 will be words from Tom Layzell, who was recently elected President of the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Originally from Illinois, Layzell also worked as Commissioner of Higher Education in Mississippi.

In addition to last-minute tweaking on final papers and late-night cram sessions, students graduating this spring have another burden to add to their list of things to do before May 10 – making reservations for friends and family attending graduation ceremonies.