More than 730 students will graduate from The University of Findlay during spring commencement ceremonies at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, in the Koehler Center on campus.
   
More than 300 graduate degrees will be awarded, and more than 380 undergraduate degrees will be awarded, including approximately 60 bachelor of arts degrees and approximately 320 bachelor of science degrees.
   
More than 40 associate of arts degrees will be conferred.

Among the UF graduates are more than 100 international students who will receive master’s degrees and eight international students who will receive bachelor’s degrees. Those students represent the countries of India, China, Taiwan, Nepal, Japan, Burma, Ghana, Thailand and Korea.

Dr. James D. Houdeshell, professor emeritus at The University of Findlay, will give the commencement address. Houdeshell graduated from then-Findlay College in 1953 and later earned a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a doctorate from Indiana University.

He began his career at the University in 1955 as a teacher and coach. Houdeshell also served as athletic director, the first dean of the college of professional studies, which was the forerunner of the current colleges of business and education, and has been instrumental in developing and directing multiple projects within the University.

Dr. Kathleen Crates will receive an honorary doctor of education degree. Crates holds a bachelor’s degree from then-Findlay College and both a master’s degree and doctoral degree from Bowling Green State University. She has served as an elementary school teacher, director of the learning disability program at Findlay High School, principal of Donnell Middle School and an assistant principal, associate principal and principal of Findlay High School. Currently, she is director of student services for the Findlay City School System.

She has been recognized for her service to numerous educational, professional and business organizations. Crates was selected as a University of Findlay Distinguished Alumna in 1994; she has served with distinction as a trustee of the University for 27 years and was the board’s longest serving member at the time of her election to Trustee Emeritus in 2008.

The University’s traditional Arch Ceremony will immediately follow commencement at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Griffith Memorial Arch.
   
For more details about commencement, contact Brianna Patterson, public relations officer, at 419-434-4345 or pattersonb@findlay.edu.