Gov. Nixon will speak at May commencment

Southeast Missouri State University announced Gov. Jay Nixon as the 2012 spring graduation commencement speaker on April 16.

"The Governor is honored to be asked to serve as the commencement speaker for this record-size class at Southeast Missouri State University," the governor's press secretary Scott Holste said via email.

According to university records, a sitting governor has not addressed Southeast graduates since former Gov. Bob Holden spoke in December of 2000 and Gov. John Ashcroft in 1985.

"Since Governor Nixon has been a strong supporter of higher education, I think it is important that he speak to the largest class ever graduating from Southeast Missouri State University," university president Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins said.

Nixon will address 1,052 undergraduates and 270 graduate students -- a total of 1,322 students at the ceremony. The 2010 graduating class previously held the graduating class record at 1,173 students.

"I expect that in his address in Cape Girardeau, the Governor will talk about the value of higher education in preparing students to enter the careers of tomorrow right away," Holste said.

Due to the high number of students graduating each year, the university requested that students limit graduation guests to four in the main arena and send additional guests to the overflow rooms located in the facility's conference rooms.

"We do expect a really big crowd so I would advise anyone attending to get there early and let people know there will be overflow rooms with TVs set up and meeting rooms with TVs set up for families with children," said Diane Sides, assistant to the president. "Public safety will also be running shuttles."

The graduation ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. May 12 at the Show Me Center.