BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College will hold its 40th annual commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Field House on the main campus.

For the first time, family members and friends who cannot attend the ceremony can watch it live at www.bc3.edu by going to BC3TV.

C. J. "Jay" Hertzog, dean of the college of education at Slippery Rock University, will give the keynote address and Douglas A. Bartley, Class of 1977, will give the Distinguished Alumni address.

In addition, there will be two student speakers at the ceremony: Ashley Ritson, chair of BC3 executive council of students and Douglas Kersten, BC3 honors graduate.

Presenting the tassel will be Cody Betush, BC3 Honors Graduate.

The grand marshal to lead the procession is Francie P. Spigelmyer, interim vice president for Academic Affairs.

Other faculty marshals are Charlene Wright, professor of business and David Huseman, professor of humanities and social sciences.

Student marshals are Sherri Neely, associate professor of nursing and allied health and Mary McGinnis, academic and career counselor.

According to Ruth Scott, director of Records and Registration, there are 476 students who are eligible to participate in commencement exercises this year; 117 Associate of Arts, 29 Associate in Science, 278 Associate in Applied Science. Also 39 certificates and 13 diplomas will be granted.

Approximately 170 students will march during the commencement ceremony.

In addition to the live video on bc3.edu, the ceremony will be aired on Armstrong's Channel 10 in Butler, Evans City, Cranberry, Zelienople and Mars through the end of May.

For information regarding BC3's commencement, contact the Student Life Office at 724-287-8711 ext. 8248.