U.VA. GRADUATION WEEKEND EVENTS
	SET FOR MAY 18-19

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., May 4 -- More than 20,000 people,
including family members and friends of the University of Virginia's
1996 graduating class, are expected to fill the historic Lawn for
Final Exercises on Sunday, May 19.
	The ceremony will begin with the traditional and colorful
academic procession from the Rotunda at 10 a.m.  NASA astronaut and
U.Va. alumna Kathryn Thornton will deliver the commencement
address.  Approximately 4,300 degrees will be awarded .
	After President John T. Casteen III confers baccalaureate,
graduate and professional degrees, the 1996 graduates will receive
their diplomas in separate ceremonies organized by each of the
University's 10 schools at various locations around the Grounds.
	Inclement weather sites for Final Exercises vary according
to schools and departments, with University Hall serving as the rain
site for ticketed guests of the College and Graduate School of Arts
and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science
ceremony.  Thornton would speak at that indoor location.  (For
details on inclement weather sites, see the enclosed schedule.)
	Following the main ceremony Sunday, Dr. Marcella F. Fierro,
the state's chief medical examiner, will speak to medical graduates
at their diploma ceremony.  The Rev. Jesse Jackson, longtime civil
rights leader whose son Yusef will be among law graduates, will make
brief remarks at the law school's diploma ceremony.  (Locations
enclosed.)
	On Saturday, May 18, noted political strategist James
Carville will speak at Class Valediction Exercises.  The ceremony,
which also features presentation of the graduating class's gift,
will begin at 11 a.m. on the Lawn.  University Hall is the rain site.
	All ceremonies and addresses are open to the public, unless
severe weather forces events indoors.
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May 3, 1996