POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam will honor nearly 900 students during the 179th commencement ceremonies May 18 and 19.

The 2013 master's commencement ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18 in Hosmer Hall. About 140 graduate students are expected to receive their hoods at the ceremony.

Dr. Edward S. Marschilok, the retired supervisor of the state Department of Education's Curriculum, Instruction and Instructional Technology team, will serve as the keynote speaker for the master's ceremony. He will also be awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

The 2013 bachelor's commencement ceremony will take place Sunday, May 19 at 10:15 a.m. in the academic quad. About 750 bachelor's students are expected to earn undergraduate degrees.

Colonel Thomas H. Palmatier, leader and commander of the Army band "Pershing's Own," will address the graduates. He will also be presented with an honorary doctor of music degree.

The college will hold the ceremony outside rain or shine. There will be an option for guests who are uncomfortable with weather conditions to watch the ceremony on a large screen inside the Barrington Student Union.

In the event of extremely inclement conditions visual arts, music, theatre and dance majors will participate in a 10 a.m. ceremony in Hosmer Hall.

All other majors will attend a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Maxcy Hall.

Each graduate will receive five tickets under the emergency plan, with all other guests welcome to view the ceremonies via live video in the Barrington Student Union.

During the commencement celebrations, the college will also recognize Deborah Diefendorf Hind, longtime president of the College's Alumni Association, with the 2013 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award.

In addition, Sandra Maine, founder and president of the SunFeather Natural Soap Company, will receive the SUNY Potsdam Leadership Through Service Award at the bachelor's ceremony.

For more information visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.