University of Maine

Nearly 1,200 students are set to receive degrees at the University of Maine’s 198th commencement exercises scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, outdoors in the Harold Alfond Sports Stadium.

The ceremony is expected to draw a crowd of more than 10,000 people, according to UM officials.

Andrew Mead, chief justice of the Maine Superior Court, is to give the commencement address. A New Jersey native, Mead graduated from UM in 1973. He was first appointed a district court judge in 1990.

Honorary degrees are scheduled to be awarded to two internationally renowned members of Maine’s artistic community. One is to be given to writer Doris Grumbach, author of works of fiction, literary criticism, essays and memoirs, who has lived in Maine for the past 10 years.

Jamie Wyeth, youngest scion of the Wyeth clan of painters, will also be honored. Wyeth had his first one-man show in 1966 in New York City when he was just 20. He has worked in oils and watercolors, and his sketches and illustrations have been used in children’s books. He is also known for his efforts to preserve lighthouses along the Maine coast.

In case of foul weather, two indoor graduation ceremonies will be held in the Alfond Sports Arena. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., students from the College of Business, Public Policy & Health, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and the Division of Lifelong Learning will receive their diplomas. Then starting at 2:30 p.m., graduates from the College of Education & Human Development, the College of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry & Agriculture will receive their degrees.

Eastern Maine Technical College

A total of 227 students are scheduled to receive degrees, diplomas or certificates at the graduation ceremony of Eastern Maine Technical College in Bangor.

The commencement is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday on campus in the Johnston Gymnasium.

Michael H. Michaud, president of the Maine Senate, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. A Democrat from East Millinocket, Michaud has served in the Legislature since 1980.

The student address is to be given by Laura A. Manson, the school’s student of the year. Manson is a Corinna native who entered EMTC after being laid off as a shoe worker. She studied business management, which she plans to continue studying at Husson College in the fall.

Kennebec Valley Technical College

About 230 students are set to receive degrees, diplomas or certificates at the commencement ceremony of Kennebec Valley Technical College in Fairfield.

The graduation exercises are to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Augusta Civic Center.

U.S. Rep. John Baldacci of Bangor is scheduled to deliver the commencement address.

Thomas College

Thomas College in Waterville has scheduled graduation exercises for 1 p.m. Saturday, under a tent on campus.

Heather D. Blease, president and founder of the computer support firm ENVISIONet of Brunswick, is to give the commencement address. She will also receive an honorary degree.

Bert G. Clifford, founder of UNITEL telephone company as well as the Unity Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Unity, is also scheduled to receive an honorary degree.

Southern Maine Technical College

A total of 467 students are scheduled to receive degrees, diplomas or certificates at the graduation ceremony of Southern Maine Technical College in South Portland. The commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Tom Allen of Portland is to give the keynote address.

York County Technical College

About 74 students are scheduled to receive degrees, diplomas or certificates at the commencement exercises of York County Technical College.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Village by the Sea in Wells.

Richard Abramson, named a distinguished educator with the Maine Department of Education, is scheduled to give the commencement address.