UH forecast is 5,378 degrees

Graduates will receive diplomas during next weekend on campus

Degrees for up to 5,378 graduates will be presented at ceremonies for the 10 University of Hawaii campuses, starting Friday night.

Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and 971 graduate degrees will be awarded at the University of Hawaii at Manoa during spring commencement ceremonies on May 13.

Kapiolani Community College, Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Hawaii Community College and Kauai Community College will hold ceremonies Friday night.

UH-Hilo, UH-West Oahu and Windward Community College ceremonies will be next Saturday.

Maui Community College will also hold ceremonies on May 13.

Outgoing Interim Chancellor Denise Eby Konan will deliver the commencement address at the UH-Manoa undergraduate ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Advanced degrees will be awarded at 3 p.m., also at the Stan Sheriff Center. Some schools will also hold separate ceremonies through the weekend.

Doors to the Stan Sheriff Center will open an hour before each ceremony. Balloons and strollers are not allowed inside the arena.

Friends and family members may greet graduates following the ceremony on the grass soccer practice field and at Les Murakami Stadium. Authorized lei vendors will be located in front of the stadium.

There will also be a live webcast of the ceremony.

During the university's centennial commemorative period -- till May 2008 -- graduating students can purchase and wear a centennial medallion. The medallion may be viewed at www.bookstore.hawaii.edu/uhgrad (click on graduation supplies). It will not be available for purchase after next year's commencement ceremonies.