SMU Commencement speakers include church, government and business leaders

SMU graduates will hear words of wisdom and advice from leaders in religion, government, business, humanities and the arts before they cross the stage to receive their diplomas at ceremonies hosted by seven schools and individual departments.

Friday, May 15

Simmons School, 3 p.m., McFarlin Auditorium

• Kelsey Karcher, Master of Education in Educational Leadership graduate
• Tyler Sanford, Master of Science in Sport Management graduate

Baccalaureate, 8 p.m., McFarlin Auditorium

• Maria Dixon-Hall, SMU associate professor of communication studies

Guildhall, 6 p.m., SMU-in-Plano

• Paul Bettner, founder and CEO of Playful Corp in McKinney and the co-creator of Words with Friends.

Saturday, May 16

All-University Commencement, 9 a.m., Moody Coliseum

• George W. Bush, former president of the United States

Cox School of Business, 1:30 p.m., Moody Coliseum

Perkins School of Theology, 2 p.m., Sanctuary, Highland Park Methodist Church

• The Reverend Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, chief executive of The United Methodist Church's General Board of Church and Society

Lyle School of Engineering, 5:30 p.m.,

• Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Internet services at Apple and SMU parent

Meadows School of the Arts, check-in at 5:30 p.m. in the Taubman Atrium and ceremonies at various locations

• Meadows School of the Arts is implementing its Inclement Weather Plan. Check-in for all ceremonies will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Taubman Atrium. All ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the following locations: 
  • Advertising, Film & Media Arts, Communication Studies, and Journalism in McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
  • Art, Art History, Arts Management & Arts Entrepreneurship and Creative Computation in Greer Garson Theatre
  • Dance and Theatre in Bob Hope Theatre
  • Music in Caruth Auditorium

Dedman School of Law, 6:30 p.m., Law School Quadrangle

• The Honorable Sarah Saldaña '84 head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the second largest federal law enforcement agency after the FBI.

Dedman College Diploma ceremonies

• Jim Hopkins, professor of history and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, the inaugural recipient of the SMU Second Century Faculty Career Achievement Award, history diploma ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Hughes-Trigg Theater