Commencement preparations begin

[Friday] In the afternoon, hotel employees and local vendors begin setting up the Carlton’s main room on the second floor for Commencement. Delicie (pictured here checking diplomas) coordinates the details: setting up chairs and staging, construction of a 30’ x 10’ frame on which to stretch a mural/backdrop for the stage (great graphics work by ACU senior designer Greg Golden), and technology to film and transmit the ceremony back to ACU (pictured here) so the event can be streamed to the university’s Web site. The room is pretty much set up, but a visit from Ravalomanana’s staff brings a request that it be re-oriented for security purposes. So things change as directed. About 400 people have been invited, including the president’s Cabinet and numerous local and national media.