ATHENS, Ohio -- CNN news anchor and national correspondent Martin Savidge will address the more than 3,000 undergraduates expected for Ohio University's June 14 commencement ceremonies.
Savidge, who received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1981, reports from the field on major breaking news stories that have included this year's war in Iraq, where he was one of CNN's embedded journalists and was among the first members of the media to accompany troops into Baghdad.
"It's a big honor for me," Savidge said of being invited to speak at commencement. "It's also kind of a kick. When I graduated, I never envisioned the day I would be called back to deliver a commencement speech."
A native of Canada, Savidge grew up in the Cleveland suburb of Rocky River and chose Ohio University because of the reputation of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the many opportunities for communication students.
Savidge will address the 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. undergraduate commencement ceremonies in the Convocation Center. The morning ceremony will recognize bachelor and associate degree candidates in the colleges of Business, Communication, Fine Arts and Health and Human Services. The afternoon session will honor candidates in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Engineering and Technology as well as those in Honors Tutorial College, University College and Regional Higher Education.
GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT
The commencement ceremony for master's and doctoral degrees is at 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Convocation Center. Douglas Bolon, associate professor of health sciences and recipient of the 2002 Outstanding Graduate Faculty Member award, will address those graduates.
Robert Biscup, DO, an orthopedic surgeon and member of the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine's inaugural graduating class in 1980, was the college's commencement speaker. That ceremony was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7, at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
Expect delays because of road construction in Nelsonville, Ohio, for motorists traveling on U.S. 33 from the north and west (Columbus, Ohio). The Ohio Transportation Information System (OTIS) Web site has provided the following information concerning travel through Nelsonville, Ohio.
The eastbound lane of U.S. 33 (Canal Street) through Nelsonville from the intersection of Chestnut Street to the intersection of Hocking Parkway will be closed for major rehabilitation work. Westbound traffic will be maintained by one lane with a 10-foot width restriction. Beginning Thursday, April 3, motorists have been required to use the following detour: U.S. 33 to Fulton to Columbus to Adams to Washington back to U.S. 33. Fulton and Adams will be temporarily posted as one-way streets to allow for safe turns for commercial vehicles. Eastbound traffic will travel the following detour: Hocking Parkway to SR 691 (approximately 3 miles).
Construction zones will change as the project progresses. This information will be updated regularly to reflect current happenings in the Nelsonville area. There is a length restriction of 53 feet through this work zone and on the detours.
For the most up to date information on construction delays, please visit www.buckeyetraffic.org/otis/otis_search.asp. To search for specific information on travel through Nelsonville, please enter Athens as the county in the search criteria. Additional information on the university's commencement ceremonies and detailed driving directions to Athens, Ohio, are available at www.ohio.edu/commencement on the Web.
