Charlene Belew
Managing Editor
@CBelew15
Semesters are winding down at colleges around the country, and commencement ceremonies are nearing as the month of May approaches.
Cameron University’s 2015 graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at the Cameron University Stadium in Lawton.
This year’s commencement speaker, actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr., will wrap up the 2014-2015 Academic Festival “Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities.” His commencement speech will focus on protecting the environment and living within means.
Begley, a Los Angeles native, lives in a solar energy powered home that is self-sufficient. He is also known to be “an environmental leader in the Hollywood community,” according to a press release from April 20, 2015.
His work toward a healthier environment shows through his involvement with The Coalition for Clean Air, The Thoreau Institute and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Begley has also earned numerous awards from a number of organizations, according to a press release, including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, The Coalition for Clean Air, Heal the Bay, Santa Monica Baykeeper and the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation.
Cameron President Dr. John McArthur said he is excited for Begley’s speech.
“Following Cameron’s successful focus on sustainability throughout the course of the academic year, we are delighted to feature Ed Begley, Jr. at our upcoming commencement ceremony,” McArthur said in a press release. “His success in the entertainment industry and award-winning work in environmentalism will inspire the members of Cameron’s Class of 2015 and motivate them to do what they can to better their communities.”
Begley has also appeared on television shows such as “Living With Ed,” which focused on living green daily. He has authored numerous books about green living, such as “Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life,” and “Ed Begley, Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living: Learning to Conserve Resources and Manage an Eco-Conscious Life.”
Following Begley’s commencement address, the graduates from the Class of 2015 will walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and move the tassels on their caps.
A firework display will close out the ceremony and finalize the commencement event.
Entry to ceremony is free and with no required tickets. Students graduating will need to line up no later than 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. ceremony.
For more information on Cameron commencement 2015, visit http://www.cameron.edu/commencement or call (580) 581-6775.
For more information on Ed Begley, Jr., visit his website, edbegley.com.