Approximately 1,154 students are eligible to participate in Coastal Carolina University's spring commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7 in Brooks Stadium. May and August candidates will be recognized in the ceremony, which will also be streamed live on the CCU website at http://www.coastal.edu/graduation/live_streams/spring_stream.html.

CCU President David A. DeCenzo will be the commencement speaker. DeCenzo became president of CCU in 2007, the year the students in the Class of 2011 began at the University. "I feel a special bond with this class," said DeCenzo. "We have made a significant journey together."

Three graduating seniors will each receive the President's Award for having perfect 4.0 grade point averages. One student will receive the 2010-2011 Faculty's Distinguished Student Excellence Award for achieving a high academic average and having a record of campus and community involvement.

The ceremony will also recognize five retiring Coastal Carolina University professors: Judy B. Engelhard, emeritus professor; Robert D. Nale, distinguished professor emeritus; Sandra Shackelford, distinguished professor emeritus; Albert J. Taylor, distinguished professor emeritus; and Linda Vereen, distinguished instructor.

In case of inclement weather, commencement exercises will be held at the Myrtle Beach High School Auditorium and divided into four ceremonies. For more details and ticket information, visit the website at www.coastal.edu/graduation.