St. Cloud State University is gearing up for its Commencement ceremony as students complete their degrees.

University Communications says nearly 900 students will earn degrees and certificates this semester, and nearly 600 will participate in commencement. This year’s address will be given by Bengladeshi student Nahida Haq Nworen, who is graduating with a degree in political science and international relations.

Nworen served in Student Government and was an active participant in the Jugaard Leadership Program. Nworen also interned with Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Minnesota and currently works as a strategic planning and community outreach intern for the City of St. Cloud Mayor’s Office.

Conferring degrees will be President Robbyn Wacker, and presenting the graduating class is interim provost Dan Gregory. Commencement will be on Friday, December 21 in Halenbeck Hall starting at 1 p.m. Admission is free for all attending.