Trine University moves May 3 commencement to Zollner Athletic Stadium

ANGOLA, IN (05/01/2014)(readMedia)-- Blame it on the fickle Midwest weather.

A forecast for higher temperatures – and, dare we say it, no rain – enables Trine University to move its commencement ceremony to the Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium. This will mark the second straight year since 1967 that Trine will celebrate commencement outdoors. This year's event is at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Jeff Saturday, retired center of the Indianapolis Colts and ESPN analyst, will give the keynote address. Saturday is also known for his philanthropic efforts, especially in the Indianapolis region.

Trine is also celebrating the grand opening of its new T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, making it possible for country star Lee Greenwood to sing the national anthem at the start of commencement. The Grammy winner also plans to perform his hit single "God Bless the USA."

Greenwood will be in town because he's giving a private concert Friday evening at the performing arts center. Everyone is invited when Trine dedicates the center at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the building's Ryan Concert Hall. Thanks to donors, Trine used $7.8 million to transform the former First Christian Church into the T. Furth Center, located at 500 W. Maumee St.

Graduating senior Benjamin Clark will deliver the address for the class of 2014. An accounting major in the Ketner School of Business, he received the speaking honor as the recipient of the Robert B. Stewart Award, the highest award given to a graduating senior.

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Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in programs to students in engineering, mathematics, science, informatics, business, teacher education, communication, criminal justice, golf management, social sciences, and various other fields of study. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 21 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Ind., and education resource centers throughout Indiana, Arizona and Michigan.

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