More than 700 students will walk to the music of "Pomp and Circumstance" and receive their diplomas at the McNeese State University spring commencement ceremonies set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Burton Coliseum.

Dr. Jeanne Daboval, provost and vice president of academic affairs at McNeese, will serve as master of ceremonies and confer degrees on candidates.

The McNeese Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Jay N. Jacobs, will perform the processional, national anthem and recessional.

Following a welcoming address by McNeese President Dr. Robert D. Hebert, there will be an introduction of the Golden Scholars, McNeese graduates from the Class of 1958 being honored by the McNeese Alumni Association.

Mike Doland, president of the McNeese Alumni Association, will then present the 2008 McNeese Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award to Dr. Delma McLeod-Porter, director of the Write to Excellence Center and professor of English at McNeese.

Afterwards, candidates will be introduced and degrees conferred by the deans of the six colleges, the Division of General and Basic Studies and the Doré School of Graduate Studies.

Bob Hale, a member of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, will introduce honor graduates, and Doland will address the candidates on behalf of the McNeese Alumni Association.

McNeese performing arts graduating senior Jose Luis Rodriguez of Harlingen, Texas, will lead the graduates and audience in the alma mater.