DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat UofA Bookstore employee and studio art senior Bettye Davis helps computer engineering senior Moustapha Lemine try on a cap and gown yesterday at the graduation center in the UofA Bookstore.

Today marks the last day of classes for the roughly 2,400 students who will graduate next week.

"It's especially hectic around here right now, with graduation and everything," said planning graduate student Marilyn Robinson.

The 129th Commencement Ceremony will take place in the McKale Center on Dec. 20, with the procession of candidates beginning at 9:10 a.m.

Degrees will be conferred upon about 2,400 students by President Peter Likins. Almost 2,000 undergraduate, 440 master's, and 213 doctoral degrees will be presented, said Vern Lamplot, associate director of News Services.

Toni Marie Massaro, dean of the James E. Rogers College of Law, will speak at the ceremony and deliver the commencement address.

"President Likins invited me to speak, and I will be talking about Brown vs. Board of Education and the responsibilities that come with higher education," she said.

Massaro said that this semester's graduating class is unique because the

students formed a close bond with the faculty after Sept. 11.

"Our students have grown every year in devotion to becoming real public servants as well as professionals. We are especially close to third- year students because we went though 9/11 together," Massaro said.

But in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, officials say that this graduating class is no different than any other.

"This year's class is pretty typical of students in past semesters," said R. Scott Johnson, academic advising coordinator.

Several awards will be presented during commencement.

Six Centennial Achievement Awards will go to one female and one male student from the bachelor, master's and doctoral categories. Nominations are sent through the Dean of Students Office, and recipients are selected by a committee. All award winners are first-time college graduates in their families.

Music will be played during the processional by the UA's Wind Ensemble, conducted by Jay Rees, associate director of bands.

Kimberly Chaffin, master's of music candidate, will perform the national anthem.

Kristine Tiu, president of Senior Honorary Mortar Board, will deliver the student address.