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: 12/9/04   TRAFFIC CHANGES PLANNED FOR SOUTHEASTERN COMMENCEMENT SATURDAY       HAMMOND -- Motorists and visitors planning to attend Southeastern Louisiana University's winter commencement ceremonies on Saturday (Dec. 11) should anticipate heavy traffic and route changes affecting University Avenue.       Paul M. Marek, director of the University Police Department, said that prior to the 10 a.m. ceremony eastbound traffic on University Avenue will be diverted to Pecan Street or to West Tornado for parking at the University Center. Westbound traffic will enter the University Center parking lots via North General Pershing Street Extension or onto the campus at SGA Drive.       Following commencement, all eastbound University Ave. traffic will be diverted to Pecan Street. Motorists leaving East Tornado Drive will be directed into the second lane, while those leaving West Tornado will use the first lane. Traffic leaving lots via the General Pershing Extension will be directed south onto North General Pershing Street.       Drivers not attending commencement are advised to use U.S. 190 (Thomas Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064) to avoid University Avenue traffic.       Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco will deliver the keynote address at the 10 a.m. program, where Southeastern will confer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees on more than 1,100 students.  The Golden Graduates, Southeastern alumni who received their diplomas 50 years ago or more, will lead the Class of 2004 into the University Center.