Baccalaureate provides time of reflection for students

Graduates and their families have a chance to reflect and celebrate their accomplishments at the 167th annual Baccalaureate service tonight at 5 p.m. tonight at the IU Auditorium.\n"Baccalaureate is an opportunity for graduates and their parents to pause, reflect and give thanks for academic efforts and achievements at the end of this very special stage of their lives," said Ken Beckley, president and chief executive officer of the IU Alumni Association.\nBeckley has been a big part of the ceremony for years and will give the Baccalaureate message, "Serving the World with Goodness." His speech will look at the major religions' focus on the concept of "good" and how graduates can apply that to their lives. He will apply readings from the major religions and relate them to honesty, sincerity, ethics and a positive attitude.\nFor years the ceremony was focused on graduation and featured alumni describing their paths since graduation. During the past five years, the Baccalaureate service has become more of a religious ceremony. The 45 minute ceremony will feature students speaking from each of the five major religions; Buddhism, Christianity, Hindu, Islam and Judaism, said Director of University Ceremonies Bill Elliott. \n"We used to have alumni and current graduates speak," Elliott said. "It used to be more reflective. Now it takes in more faith groups." \nEach faith group is represented by a prayer and a student, Elliott said. He said that another element of the ceremony is candles and sounds from gongs to Jewish Shofars representing each religion. \nNew to the ceremony this year is a performance by the African American Choral Ensemble. The choir has been guided by James E. Mumford who retired this year after 23 years at IU. \nAdministrative Assistant Rebecca Keith, who helped organize the event, said that there are usually around 400 attendees and she expects the same this year. Keith said the ceremony will have extra significance for Beckley.\n"I could tell he was touched when he was chosen to speak," Keith said. "This is his last Baccalaureate before he retires in January so it was important to him."\nAll are welcome to attend the free event which begins after the graduation send off at Bryan House. Keith said she looks forward to the event, which she describes as a celebration as well as a ceremony. \n"It's touching to see so many students, parents and faculty come together to reflect on their time at IU," Keith said. "It's a perfect place to come together and be thankful for the journey they've been on and look forward to the future"