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More
than 1,000 set to receive diplomas at convention center In 1876, two students received diplomas at the first graduation ceremony for the institution that would become TCU. This year, more than 1,100 students will walk the stage in the largest graduation ceremony in TCU history, said Margaret Kelly, director of special projects. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. May 11 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.Officials said the switch from Daniel-Meyer Coliseum was prompted by the expected attendance of 10,000 people. Chancellor Michael Ferrari said the coliseum provides seating for 7,000. “What is so special about TCU’s graduation ceremony is the number of family and friends that are able to attend,” Ferrari said. He said the move to the Convention Center will allow the university to accommodate everyone who attends. The Convention Center, at 1111 Houston St. in downtown Fort Worth, has seating for up to 10,418, Kelly said. “The decision to move commencement off campus was the only option that allowed us to accommodate the students emphasis on being able to invite everyone and anyone to attend,” she said. “Since that was the priority, we had to turn to other locations.” Kelly said most estimates for planning purposes involve an eight to one, guest to graduate ratio. The Fort Worth Convention Center will be used for 10 local high school graduations this spring, along with the Tarrant County College ceremony, according to the events Web site for the center. Kelly said the new location offers a covered parking garage at the cost of $6 a car, and street parking in the area is free on weekends. Students from 34 different countries will graduate in the ceremony, with a total of 71 international students, she said. Fifteen students will graduate with a 4.0 GPA, and 208 will graduate with honors, Kelly said Wednesday. Kami
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