Never again will the estimated 1,575 seniors graduating this month toil over semester finals or group presentations.

Undergraduates will gather in Hilton Coliseum at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 for commencement ceremonies.

Richard Stanley, a 1955 graduate of the College of Engineering and the chairman of Stanley Consultants Inc. in Muscatine, will give the traditional address.

Herman Richtsmeier, associate registrar, said the turnout for graduation ceremonies has been high over the years.

“Historically, we have had around 70-80 percent of the undergraduates in attendance,” Richtsmeier said.

An estimated 350 students, who will be receiving masters and doctorate degrees, will be given their diplomas Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium.

Richtsmeier said the graduate ceremony is not as well attended.

“One of the things that probably has some impact is that many finish their final requirements earlier in the term and have already left the Ames area,” he said.

University officials say they are trying to give more individual attention to graduates to encourage participation in the ceremonies.

Prior to a commencement exercise on Saturday, the colleges are holding receptions and convocations to honor undergraduates.

“The events are really different from college to college,” Richtsmeier said. “The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ convocation will be held in Hilton Coliseum. They actually read the names and have students come up to the stage. All of the colleges are making an effort to give individuals recognition.”