April 17, 2008

CBU Commencement Scheduled for Friday, May 9

Memphis - Christian Brothers University (CBU) will hold its 2008 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, at 4:00 p.m. at the Desoto Civic Center.

More than 400 undergraduate and graduate students will receive degrees from CBU this year, as the University grants the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Science and Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts in Science and Mathematics, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Engineering Management.

The CBU Baccalaureate Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the University Theater on the CBU campus.

During the Baccalaureate Service, the University will also recognize Joe Birch as the 2008 recipient of the Maurelian Medal, which is awarded in recognition of an individual's significant contributions through service to the good of the University or the community. Mr. Birch, news anchor of WMC-TV5 and CBU Class of 1978, is being recognized for his tireless and selfless service to the Memphis community including (but not limited to) his work with and support for the Gibson Guitar 5K Run-Walk for St. Patrick Learning Center, the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Alzheimer's Association. Mr. Birch also serves on the Board of Trustees of Christian Brothers University.

The Maurelian Medal is one of the University's highest honors and is named for the founding president of the University, Brother Maurelian Sheel (1842-1920). Since its establishment in 1984, the Maurelian Medal has been awarded to only 14 individuals; the award to Mr. Birch is the first since 2004.

For more information on CBU's commencement activities, contact the Office of Student Life at (901) 321-3531. ###