The highest number of students in at least 20 years is eligible to participate in The University of Toledo’s commencement on Saturday, May 5.

The more than 3,000 candidates for degrees will celebrate their achievement at the graduation ceremonies in the Glass Bowl. The undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. and the graduate ceremony will be 3 p.m.

Included among those soon-to-be alumni is Robert Edgar Barger, who will receive his associate of technical studies degree from University College at the age of 96. He had attended UT after returning from serving in the United States Navy during World War II, but left before finishing his degree. After a recent review of his transcripts, it was determined the veteran met the requirements to graduate with an associate degree. Read more of Barger’s story here.

Chuck Ealey, the football great and businessman, is the commencement speaker and will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters.

As the UT quarterback, Ealey led the undefeated Rockets to 35 victories in three seasons from 1969 to 1971. After graduation, he joined the Canadian Football League and in his seven years in the league played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

After hanging up his helmet, Ealey used his degree in economics from UT as a certified financial planner with Investors Group for 30 years. The 1972 UT alumnus also inspires through the Chuck Ealey Foundation, which helps people discover and embrace their undefeated spirit to better themselves and their community.

Dr. Helen Sun, chief technology officer of architecture, engineering and data management at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Chicago, will address graduate students participating in the afternoon ceremony. She received a PhD in educational technology from UT in 2001.

Those planning to attend commencement are advised to use the west entrance off Secor Road and the south entrance off Dorr Street to avoid congestion on West Bancroft Street.

The public ceremonies also can be viewed live at utoledo.edu/video.