News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 5/12/04   TRAFFIC CHANGES PLANNED FOR SOUTHEASTERN COMMENCEMENT       HAMMOND - Southeastern Louisiana University police are advising motorists to expect heavy traffic and route changes on University Ave. during the university’s spring commencement ceremonies, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15, at the University Center.       Paul Marek, director of University Police, said a section of University Avenue between West Tornado Drive and SGA Drive will be restricted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day.       Local traffic will be slowed, but will be allowed to proceed on University Avenue.  Commencement traffic will be diverted. Drivers not attending commencement are encouraged to use U.S. 190 (Thomas Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064) to avoid University Avenue traffic.       Prior to commencement, eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to West Tornado Drive for parking at the University Center. Westbound commencement traffic will enter the University Center parking lots via North General Pershing Street extension or onto the campus at SGA Drive.       Following the commencement, motorists leaving East or West Tornado Drive will be directed west. Traffic leaving via the North General Pershing extension will be directed south onto North General Pershing Street or east onto University Avenue.       Parking near the Pennington Student Activity Center, located across from the University Center, will be limited on Saturday since the student center will be hosting the AAU Basketball Tournament. Those attending commencement should plan to arrive early and be prepared to walk two or three blocks due to limited parking close to the University Center.        Jerry Luke LeBlanc, Louisiana Commissioner of Administration, will be the keynote speaker at the program, where Southeastern will confer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees on more than 900 students. The university will also present its "Golden Ambassador" award to Hammond resident and long-time arts patron Marjorie Morrison.