SLIPPERY ROCK — When 511 Slippery Rock University graduating seniors cross the commencement stage Saturday, it will be an extra special event.

The graduates are part of the university’s 125th anniversary celebration year.

The 11 a.m. ceremony in Morrow Field House will include placing the commencement program in SRU’s time capsule and a reflection on SRU’s history. The capsule will be displayed in the Robert M. Smith Student Center at the year’s end.

The ceremony will also include presentation of SRU’s first master of business administration diplomas to 14 students.

Four-hundred twenty-seven undergraduate degrees and 70 other master’s degrees will be awarded.

Tickets are required for admission with doors opening at 9:30 a.m.

Wilma Cavill, assistant professor of health and safety management and the longest serving faculty member in the State System of Higher Education, will serve as grand marshal. She is also an honorary co-chairman of the anniversary celebration.

SRU President Cheryl Norton will open the ceremony and Thomas Breth, chairman of the SRU Council of Trustees, will speak.

Lt. Col. John Donlin, professor of military science and head of SRU’s Army ROTC program will confer the oath of office to three graduating ROTC cadets, inducting them as second lieutenants.

SRU’s Army ROTC unit also will present the colors.

Philip Way, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, will present graduates for their degrees, which will be conferred by Norton.

Don Huddart, a 1987 SRU graduate and member of the SRU Alumni Association board of directors, will induct the graduates into the association.

Performing will be the SRU Student Brass Quintet and SRU Men’s Quartet.

A reception will follow in the Grass-Tex area of the field house.