Richard Rush The Moorpark College 2009 commencement will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thurs., May 21 on the Campus Center Quad, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark.

Of the nearly 1,200 students who earned their degree during this academic year, about 300 will take part in the ceremony.

The commencement speaker is Richard Rush, president of Cal State Channel Islands.

For the first time, students who have been accepted at a transfer institution will be able to walk in the ceremony whether or not they have earned an associate degree.

To participate, transfer students should bring a copy of their acceptance letter to the Career/ Transfer Center in Fountain Hall and they will receive an invitation to the ceremony.

All those who plan to attend commencement can bring their invitation to the bookstore beginning Mon., April 27 to purchase a cap and gown package.

As head of the newest campus in the California State University system, Rush has hired the faculty and administrative staff and overseen the development of the university strategic, academic and physical master plans, the budget and financial structure, infrastructure and road improvements, the acquisition of adjacent land.

He led the university's efforts to achieve initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Before arriving at CSUCI, Rush was president of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and he played a key role in the founding of Cal State San Marcos.