Slippery Rock University graduates move their tassels during commencement in 2012 at Morrow Field House. On Saturday, the Class of 2014 will be in the field house for this year's ceremony.

SLIPPERY ROCK — More than 6,000 family members and guests are expected to attend Slippery Rock University’s two commencement ceremonies on Saturday in Morrow Field House when nearly 1,625 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral diplomas will be awarded.

The 10:30 a.m. ceremony will see nearly 865 diplomas presented to those graduating from graduate programs, the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and the College of Health, Environment and Science.

Tom Sparrow, an SRU philosophy instructor and this year’s recipient of the President’s Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement, will be the speaker.

The 2 p.m. ceremony will see 760 diplomas awarded to graduates from the College of Business, Information and Social Sciences and the College of Education.

Bruce Orvis, professor in the business school and this year’s recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, will be the speaker.

Both Sparrow and Orvis were honored at SRU’s annual Academic Honors Convocation.

Cheryl Norton, SRU president, will preside and offer opening remarks at both ceremonies. Wilma Cavil, professor of health and safety management and senior member of the faculty, will serve as grand marshal.

Robert Taylor, chairman of the SRU council of trustees and a member of the State System of Higher Education board of governors, will bring greetings on behalf of the trustees. Provost Philip Way will present the candidates for their degrees, which will be awarded by Norton on behalf of the university.

Lt. Col. Joseph Alessi, professor of military science and director of SRU’s Army ROTC Program, will present SRU’s newest second lieutenants who are to be commissioned at a 4:30 p.m. ceremony Friday in the Smith Student Center.

Ben Addison, past president of the SRU Alumni Association, will provide welcome remarks to the newest members of the alumni community.

The SRU Student Brass Quintet will provide both processional and recessional music at the ceremony. The SRU Student Quartet will sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the “SRU Alma Mater.” A color guard of SRU Army ROTC cadets will present the flags.