Traditional ceremony to occur Friday

Senior Lolita Burt never thought the day would come when she’d graduate from college.\n“But now it’s a dream come true,” she said.\nThis year IU will hold its annual baccalaureate service at 5 p.m. Friday in the IU Auditorium. The service has come to refer not only to a degree that is awarded at commencement but to a spiritual observance that also celebrates achievement and aspiration.\n“It’s an interfaith service of reflection; all are invited. The five major faiths represented are Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism,” said Cynthia Schultz of the IU Alumni Association.\nThe service has taken place for more than 167 years at IU, according to an IU news release. The speaker at this year’s service will be Patrick O’Meara, dean for international programs, who will also lead the interfaith ceremony. All 2007 graduates and their families and friends are welcome to attend the baccalaureate celebration. This year, 8,229 seniors will participate in the graduation ceremony, with a total of 19,535 degrees set to be handed out. \n“The service (was) changed into an interfaith service only six years ago,” said Rebecca Keith, administrative assistant of the IU Alumni Association. She said she encourages all people to attend the service, which will include readings from clergy along with IU students who represent each faith. The 50-minute service will also feature musical selections from HooShir, IU’s Jewish a cappella singing group. \nBurt, who is receiving a degree in criminal justice, said she is looking forward to the service.\n“The baccalaureate celebration will give my friends and family a chance to gather before the big day,” Burt said.\nThis event was organized by a 15-member University committee that included students, campus chaplains, faculty, staff and representatives of the five major religions in the IU community. The celebration will incorporate prayers from different faiths, along with times of meditation and music.\n“It is a time to celebrate the diversity here at IU,” said Rabbi Susan Laikin Shifron, executive director of the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center and a member of the baccalaureate committee. \nPay parking for the service will be available at the Indiana Memorial Union and the Jordan Avenue parking garage, where handicapped parking will also be available.