It will be a sea of green and gold Saturday, May 3 as about half of the university’s 2,083 spring graduates take part in commencement in Bartow Arena.

“Our new green commencement robes are a new tradition at UAB,” said Doug Rigney, Ph.D., vice president of student affairs.

“During the past few years we have seen the opening of the Campus Recreation Center, the Dining Commons, Blazer Hall, our freshman residence hall, and Heritage Hall, our new academic classroom building,” said Rigney. “School spirit has never been higher, and this new commencement tradition reflects that.”

The commencement address will be given by technology entrepreneur Julie Hanna, who also will receive the UAB National Alumni Society Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. During the ceremonies, Herman D. Bolden, chair and president of Southern Coach Parts Co., will receive the honorary degree Doctor of Humanities.