An email was sent out by my university this morning informing us that the commencement ceremonies will be broadcast online for those not able to attend in-person.

‘Virtually’ entire world can view Purdue commencement

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.” Some 24,000 people will converge on Purdue University’s campus this weekend for commencement ceremonies, however, they won’t be the only ones who can watch the event.

Purdue officials, aware that many graduating students have family or friends serving in the military or who are unable to come to campus, have set up a Webcast of the commencement ceremonies. Anyone will be able to access the Webcast and view any of the four graduations live.

“We’re really excited that we will be able to bring these family and friends together at least virtually,” said John Dietrich, video engineer for Information Technology at Purdue. “If family and friends can’t be here in person, we will bring the graduation to them. This also is a nice way for Purdue to say thank you to loved ones serving our country who might have a family member or close friend graduating.”

Those tuning in must have Windows Media Player. The Web address for those with high-speed Internet connections is accessible at (mms://streamer.ics.purdue.edu/grad2007). The Web address for those with slow-speed connections is (mms://video.dis.purdue.edu/grad2007).

The ceremonies also can be seen locally on Insight cable, Channel 5.

Scary.

You can see me Saturday at 2:30pm:

EDITED 07-24-08: Links to videos expired.