UA stocks up on water for commencement to avoid repeat of last year’s woes

TUCSON, Ariz. — Officials said they were making sure water doesn’t run low
at University of Arizona’s upcoming commencement ceremony, a problem that left a
dozen graduates and guests with heat sickness last year.

The Arizona Daily Star reported the university was
graduating more than 4,000 students and expected about 40,000 people to attend
its Saturday ceremony.

Temperatures will be about 15 degrees cooler than last
year’s event.

University vice president Kasey Urquidez said crowded staging areas have been
eliminated, each graduate will get a pint of water, and dispensers will be
available on the field and near concession stands, among other changes.

Organizers have cut down on the processional as well by only letting graduate
students take part.

Undergraduates will start taking their seats two hours
before the ceremony.