The University of West Alabama will honor nearly 700 graduates during fall commencement exercises Saturday, Dec. 15. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. in Pruitt Gymnasium on the UWA campus, with the Presidential Reception open to all graduates and their guests from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the Bell Conference Center.

The University will confer degrees in the colleges of liberal arts, natural sciences and mathematics, business, education, and the school of graduate studies.

The University will recognize students graduating from the UWA Honors Program and those graduating with honors. There will also be special recognition for the faculty recipients of the Nellie McCrory Service Excellence Award, the McIlwain Bell Trustee Professor Award and the William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Director of Choral Activities Willie Williams will lead the UWA Singers in a special performance honoring graduates. In addition, the UWA Band, directed by Glenn Smith, will perform.

Guests must have tickets, which are available from the graduates, to attend the ceremony in Pruitt Gymnasium. Overflow seating to watch the commencement exercises will be available in Bibb Graves Auditorium Bell Conference Center. For more information, call 205-652-3833.