Graduation site announced

The June 10 commencement ceremony will be held at the Puyallup Fairgrounds at 11:00 a.m.

Initially the graduation was scheduled to take place in the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, but many graduates were outraged that a four-ticket limit would be in place due to space constraints. The Tacoma Dome, which was able to accommodate the past four UWT graduations, was unable to house this year's ceremony because the Dome would be in use for an international gymnastics event on June 10.

Up until March 4, upset students were told that a change in venue was impossible and an outdoor graduation was out of the question. Following a heated March 3 public forum, Interim Chancellor Steven Olswang announced the university was willing to explore other options, including the Puyallup Fairgrounds, Cheney Stadium and Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound.

A group of faculty and students visited all three sites and unanimously agreed that the Fairgrounds were the best choice. There are approximately 6,000 covered seats, a stage in place, ample free parking, and room for a reception following the ceremony.