Indiana University South Bend will have its commencement on May 8 and commemorate the first class of graduates who crossed the stage in 1967. This is the 40th anniversary of granting degrees from IU South Bend.

The graduating ceremony for the class of 2007 will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at the Joyce Center at the University of Notre Dame. About 1,025 degrees will be conferred and about 700 graduates will participate.

IU President Adam W. Herbert and IU South Bend Chancellor Una Mae Reck will lead the ceremonies. Herbert will deliver the charge to the class.

In addition to the graduation, the Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to John J. Voorde. Voorde received his bachelor’s degree in 1968 and has been an advocate for the campus ever since.

Voorde, who is the city clerk for South Bend, has had a number of roles in local government including city council member and president, Portage Township assessor and mayoral candidate.

He has been an active member with Hoosiers for Higher Education and the alumni association. He has received the IU South Bend President’s Award in 2000 and the IU South Bend School of Business and Economics Distinguished Alumnus Award in2003.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to an alumnus or alumna who has achieved success in their chosen field as well as contributing to the university.