University of Houston-Victoria President Tim Hudson addresses the crowd at the spring 2008 commencement ceremony. This year’s ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at UHV.

Some 3,000 people are expected to descend upon the University of Houston-Victoria Saturday to observe the matriculation of about 325 graduates.

Spring commencement will begin at 9 a.m. on the east side of the University West building, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. In addition, the UHV School of Nursing will hold its first Victoria pinning ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Howard Johnson Plaza, 2705 E. Houston Highway.

“This day marks a great milestone in the lives of these students who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to earn their degrees,” UHV President Tim Hudson said. “These individuals have accomplished something truly noteworthy. It’s my honor, and that of everyone in the UHV family, to celebrate with these graduates and all of those who have helped them along the way.”

Outstanding graduates from each of the four schools will be recognized during the ceremony. Faculty members also will receive awards for excellence in teaching, research and service.

“Graduation ceremonies are occasions to recognize excellence at all levels of our institution,” said Suzanne LaBrecque, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Harris County Judge Edward M. Emmett, a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, will deliver the keynote speech. Emmett served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987 before becoming Harris County judge in 2007. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush nominated Emmett as a commissioner on the Interstate Commerce Commission, where he served for three years.

UHV Faculty Senate President Dan Jaeckle will serve as the grand marshal for the regular commencement ceremony. The UHV school deans will award students their diplomas, and Hudson will confer the degrees.

Following the ceremony, a reception for graduates and their guests will take place in the Multi-Purpose Room of the UHV University Center.

In the event of inclement weather, commencement will be moved to Faith Family Church, 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane, and will begin at 1 p.m. Each graduate will have six tickets to distribute. If the ceremony is moved, information will be posted at www.uhv.edu or may be obtained by calling 361-570-4848 or 877-970-4848.

The School of Nursing pinning ceremony will be the first the school has held in Victoria. Past pinning ceremonies took place in Katy. All graduates will receive a special UHV School of Nursing pin to place on their lapels for the rest of their nursing careers.

Jean Herman, chief quality officer at the DeTar Healthcare System, will be the keynote speaker. Herman has more than 30 years of advanced nursing experience and sits on the UHV President’s Regional Advisory Board.

UHV holds two graduation ceremonies a year. Spring commencement is held in Victoria, while the fall ceremony is held in Katy to accommodate the large number of graduates and their guests indoors.

For more information about the university’s spring commencement ceremony, call UHV Special Events at 361-570-4351.