Commencement to be Aired Live on WCOX15

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Macon, GA—This weekend, Mercer University and Cox Communications will partner to bring the Mercer graduation ceremony to all Middle Georgians. Home viewers can watch the ceremony live and from the comfort of their homes on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. on WCOX15, Locals Only (Cox Channel 15). Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to watch the broadcast re-aired on Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m.
 
“As a Mercer alum, this partnership holds special significance for me,” said Lynn Murphey, Director of Community and Government Relations for Cox.  “It’s been a few years since my own graduation, so I’m looking forward to watching the ceremony on WCOX15.”
 
The 10 a.m. commencement – which includes the College of Liberal Arts, Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics, School of Engineering and Tift College of Education – is the largest of the University’s 10 commencements. More than 460 graduates will be in attendance at the ceremony, to be held on campus in the University Center. 
 
This year’s graduation marks the last ceremony Dr. R. Kirby Godsey will preside over as president and CEO of Mercer. Dr. Godsey, the longest serving president in the University’s history, will step down as president on June 30 after more than 27 years to become chancellor and university professor.
 
After delivering the commencement address, President Godsey will introduce special guest performer Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for the Rolling Stones.
 
Two honorary degrees will be awarded during the Macon commencement: Doctor of Music to Leavell, musician and conservationist; and Doctor of Humanities to Philip Walden(posthumously), founder of Capricorn Records and Velocette Records.
 
 
About Mercer University:

Founded in 1833, Mercer University has campuses in Macon and Atlanta as well as regional academic centers in Douglas County, Henry County, Macon and Eastman. With 10 schools and colleges, the University offers programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law and theology. On July 1, 2006, the University will add its 11th academic program, the School of Music. For 16 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named Mercer University as one of the leading universities in the South. The Princeton Review has ranked it among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation.
 
 
 
About Cox Communications:
 
Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 5.9 million total residential and commercial customers. Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. Cox is an investor in the communities it serves. Locally, Cox provides millions of dollars in cash and in-kind support in support of Middle Georgia charities and events each year. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com

Rick Cameron is senior associate athletic director for communications, overseeing athletic media relations, including management of mercerbears.com, the official website of Mercer Athletics, while also maintaining his broadcasting responsibilities as Voice of the Bears.