Spring Commencement set for May 8 with two ceremonies; Congressman Marion Berry to address graduates

April 30, 2010 -- Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will hold spring commencement in the Convocation Center Saturday, May 8, with one ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m. More than 1,350 students on the graduate and undergraduate levels participating in both ceremonies will hear U.S. Representative Marion Berry’s (D-AR) commencement speech.

The morning ceremony will include graduates from the Colleges of Agriculture, Business, Fine Arts, Nursing and Health Professions, and Science and Mathematics. The afternoon ceremony includes the Colleges of Communications, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and University College. Chancellor Robert L. Potts will present diplomas.

Additionally, the graduation ceremonies will be streamed live on the internet at mms://streamer.astate.edu/asutv. The required connection is Broadband (384k or greater). To view the stream: Windows Users: Using Windows Media Player, open the File URL at mms://streamer.astate.edu/asutv. Mac Users: Using Quicktime, open the File URL at mms://streamer.astate.edu/asutv. You will need to install the Windows Media Components for Quicktime (by Flip4Mac) located at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/wmcomponents.mspx

A brief reception for all graduates, their guests, and faculty and staff will be held on the north mezzanine following each of the commencement ceremonies. Everyone is invited to attend.

Rep. Berry, who announced in January that he will not seek re-election, has served the state of Arkansas for seven terms. He was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1996 and has represented the people of Arkansas' First Congressional District since 1997. 

Congressman Berry is active on various committees in Washington, D.C., and is known as a strong proponent of the interests of farmers across the country, especially in eastern Arkansas. He also supports the military with his work for veterans. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 1997-2002, Berry secured millions of dollars in federal grants to update Arkansas' transportation system. He has also advocated and co-chaired the House Prescription Drug Task Force in his quest to make prescription drugs more affordable.

He introduced and passed the legislation that created the Delta Regional Authority, a federal, state and local collaboration that works on improving the economy of the Delta region, and he is known for working for funds to enhance education opportunities for all children. Berry also served as an assistant for agricultural trade and food assistance to President Bill Clinton. In 2008, Berry was re-elected to his congressional post without opposition.

During his time in Congress, Berry served on the House Agriculture Committee and the Budget Committee. In 2003, Berry was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee, where he currently serves on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development subcommittees.


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