MEDIA ADVISORY
ATTENTION: Higher education, general assignment reporters, photo editors and news desks

WHAT
The University of California, Berkeley's 2008 Commencement Convocation, a colorful ceremony honoring all graduating seniors. Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, the popular classified advertising Web site, will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers will include Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau and student Leslie Sheu, winner of the University Medal for her academic excellence, research on tuberculosis and work with adoptees and orphans from China.

WHEN
Tuesday, May 13, 4-5:30 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m.

WHERE
The Greek Theatre, UC Berkeley. The amphitheatre is on Gayley Road near Memorial Stadium on the north side of campus.

WHO
Hundreds of students in their caps and gowns, along with faculty members in colorful regalia, will process into the theater to "Pomp and Circumstance" for the event. No diplomas are issued at convocation.

DETAILS
Print and broadcast reporters are invited to cover convocation, and seats have been set aside for them. The event is only open to graduating seniors and their guests. A limited number of parking spaces for credentialed media have been set aside in the parking lot next to the amphitheater's South Gate, which is the media entrance to the theater. To R.S.V.P. or reserve a parking space, contact Yasmin Anwar at (510) 643-7944 or yanwar@berkeley.edu before noon tomorrow (Tuesday, May, 13). Broadcast media can contact Roxanne Makasdjian at (510) 642-6051. For a complete listing of UC Berkeley commencement speakers and details about departmental graduation ceremonies through May 25, visit: http://www.urel.berkeley.edu/seniors/commencement/index.cfm.

For more information about University Medalist Leslie Sheu, visit the the press release on the UC Berkeley NewsCenter.

Note: To read more about this and other UC Berkeley news, visit the Berkeley News Center at: http://newscenter.berkeley.edu.