More than 300 students will have their degrees conferred at the Indiana University East Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9. Commencement begins at 6 p.m. in the Tiernan Center at Richmond High School.

IU President Michael A. McRobbie and IU East Interim Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar will preside and address the 315 graduates eligible to receive Indiana University degrees during the ceremony. The figures include degree recipients from December 2007 and candidates for May, June and August 2008.

As part of the ceremony, the Indiana University East Alumni Association will award its Distinguished Alumni Award to Pamela F. Bliss of Indianapolis. The award recognizes outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves through personal and professional accomplishments, community service, involvement with the university and involvement with the alumni association.

Janis Galusha of Richmond will address fellow classmates during the ceremony as the student speaker. Galusha will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and was selected to address the 2008 class after auditioning for the honor.

J. Melissa Blankenship of Richmond is the recipient of the Naomi Osborne Award, an honor given to the graduate with the highest grade point average, and will lead the graduating class during the alumni induction ceremony.