Place:

Orpheum Theatre
203 West Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85033
602-262-7272

Agenda:

5:30 p.m. The doors to the Orpheum open to the public and graduating student check-in begins in the main entrance area.
6:00 p.m. Freeze Frame Fotography available for students and their families by student check-in area.
6:45 p.m. Graduate Line-Up with faculty, administrators, and staff (in lower lounge by dressing rooms).
7:00 p.m. Formal Commencement Ceremony in the main theatre.

Ceremony Highlights:

  • Remarks by Rio Salado College President, Dr. Linda Thor

  • Student Recognition & Student Speakers

  • Awarding of Diplomas & Certificates

Parking:

  • Recommended parking - Wells Fargo Bank garage on 1st Avenue, just south of Adams Street and the Phoenix City Hall garage with two entrances on 4th Avenue and on Jefferson Street. There are other garages and on-street parking areas are available within blocks surrounding the Orpheum Theatre.

  • Rio Salado is not responsible for parking fees/fines.

  • Remember – parking is first come, first served! It is recommended to arrive early for the best parking and potential traffic delays due to road construction and other downtown events.

Gowns, Caps & Tassels

All students who participate in the ceremony must wear the official royal blue gown, cap and 2008 tassel. The Commencement fee of $25 pays for the student's gown, cap, tassel and diploma cover. Students do not need to pay any additional fees for these and they can keep them after commencement. Students can pick up their gown/cap/tassel set in the Student Enrollment Services area, 2323 W. 14th Street, Tempe, AZ (1st floor). Students living outside the Phoenix area can request that their gown/cap/tassel sets be mailed to them by contacting Eric Wibbing at 480-517-8156 or eric.wibbing@riomail.maricopa.edu. Please include your height in your phone or e-mail message. Gown/cap/tassel sets will be available beginning Tuesday, April 8, 2008 through Wednesday, May 7, 2008. Gown/cap/tassel sets will not be available at the Orpheum Theatre.

Photographs:

Freeze Frame Fotography will be in the theatre before the ceremony to take individual portraits of graduates and their guests (first come, first served). Photographs will also be taken of graduates receiving their diplomas and after they exit the stage. Proofs of these photos will be made available at www.freezeframefoto.com for review and purchase directly from Freeze Frame Fotography (1-800-280-9563).

DVDs:

DVDs of the Commencement Ceremony will be available for purchase for $15.00 each. Orders must be prepaid the night of commencement (cash or checks only please...sorry, no credit cards accepted).

Special Notes:

Interpreters for the hearing-impaired will be available. Please contact Terry Ferra at 480-517-8562 (phone), 480-517-8565 (TTY), or terry.ferra@riomail.maricopa.edu by April 28th, 2008 to arrange for any special needs for the ceremony.