Graduation Times, Photo Information and More for the Big Day

Graduation day is almost upon Oswego, so it’s time to make sure you’re prepped and ready for the big day – just note that your prep will not include noisemakers.

This year, for the first time, Oswego and Oswego East will be graduating their 2013 class at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, IL 60115. The Convocation Center is located on NIU’s West Campus, north of Lincoln Highway, west of the soccer field and west of Huskie Stadium.

The move to Northern Illinois offers much larger seating, said Oswego 308 board president Bill Walsh.“We don’t have a nuclear family in today’s society. By going to Northern… you can have 10 tickets for each graduate.”

Oswego will graduate seniors at 3 p.m. and Oswego East at 7 p.m. The convocation center will open one hour prior to each ceremony for seating of guests. For Oswego’s graduation, NIU Security will not permit pictures being taken on the floor after the ceremony, so families are asked to take pictures prior to graduation.  Students will turn in their gowns immediatelyafter the ceremony.

Both schools will have official photographers during the ceremony – Grad Images for Oswego and ceremony by Photography by Feltes for Oswego East and other photographers will not be permitted on the floor.

However, those wanting to see a close-up in live time don’t have to worry.

Walsh said the venue will feature a jumbo-tron screen so parents can see their son or daughter getting their diploma up close, rather than from yards away.

For anyone though wanting to give a loud cheer for their son or daughter, there are a few items that NIU will not be allowing in the convocation center. If you have signs tri-pods, balloons or noisemakers, leave them in the car or prepare to have them confiscated. (Editor’s Note: I’ve found from my own experiences that using a seated family member’s head as a tripod works great if your arm gets tired from holding up the video camera.)

Walsh said the cost to host at NIU is about the same dollar amount spent previously at both high schools and the change does reduce a great amount of stress on 308 staff. Congratulations to all Oswego 308 graduates.

Hats off to you!