From Staff Reports

UNC Asheville will hold its December 2016 Commencement at 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Kimmel Arena in the Sherrill Center on campus. Some 240 students are expected to earn their degrees in December. 

Featured commencement speakers will include UNCA Associate Professor of Chemistry Sally Wasileski, recipient of the UNC Board of Governors 2016 Award for Excellence in Teaching; UNCA Professor of English Dee James, who also directs the university’s First-Year Writing Program and earned the 2016 Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award; and UNCA senior Charlie White, student body president and a member of the board of trustees. Chancellor Mary K. Grant will preside over the ceremony.

The Friday ceremony will conclude a week of celebrations for the graduates, including Lavender Graduation recognizing LGBTQ students and allies, the Veteran Students Cord Ceremony, and Donning of the Stoles acknowledging accomplishments and achievements of students of diverse backgrounds. Graduates and their families also are invited to academic department and program receptions Friday afternoon. 

UNCA’s spring commencement ceremony will be held on May 13, 2017.