The Office of University Events is seeking volunteers to help at Emory’s 171st Commencement to be held Monday, May 9, on the Quadrangle.
Inviting Emory staff to participate, Michael Kloss, director of the University Events office, says, “We need more volunteers this year than ever before, and we hope that you will join us!”
Volunteer opportunities begin Wednesday, May 4 with the annual "Chair Rodeo" in which 14,000 chairs on the Quadrangle are set up in perfect rows and zip-tied together for safety.
Commencement starts an hour later this year at 9 a.m. and Kloss says there are plenty of opportunities to help welcome thousands of guests and salute the Class of 2016.
“On Commencement day, volunteer assignments are focused on ensuring the safety and comfort of our guests—many stepping foot on our campus for the first time,” he says.
Some of the Commencement day volunteer opportunities include:
• Ambassadors to answer questions, calm late students running across campus, and ensure that everyone is in the right place. Ambassadors wear the iconic straw hats.
• Ushers to assist in the general and special-needs seating areas.
• Information booth staffers.
• Program table volunteers.
• Coca-Cola distributors.
“Even if your daily job duties rarely intersect with campus life or parent interactions, this is your chance to engage in the emotion and pageantry that surrounds Emory's Commencement exercises,” Kloss says.
Register to volunteer or contact the Office of University Events for more information.