About 300 graduating seniors will cross the stage to receive their diplomas at Knox College's 172nd Commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 4, on the South Lawn of Old Main.

Award-winning actress, producer, and philanthropist Eva Longoria will be the 2017 Commencement speaker. Well-known for her role as Gabrielle Solis on the hit show Desperate Housewives, Longoria stars in feature films Lowriders and All Star Weekend, and is set to star in the new Fox comedy series Type A.

She also is founder of The Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latinas build better futures for themselves; co-founder of Eva's Heroes, which enriches the lives of those with special needs; and is the National Spokesperson for Padres Contra el Cancer, a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of children with cancer. Longoria has a master's degree in Chicano studies.

Longoria will be one of three honorary degree recipients at Commencement. The others are Wes Jackson, a leader in the international sustainable agricultural movement; and Ambassador Fay Hartog Levin, a distinguished fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Here are five more things to know about Commencement:

1. Enjoy a Sensational Saturday

The afternoon and evening of Saturday, June 3, will be filled with activities for graduating seniors, their families, and friends. Keep up-to-date on the details by checking our Commencement information page. 

The schedule includes special receptions for first-generation graduates, recipients of senior prizes and awards, and Phi Beta Kappa inductees. The Knox-Galesburg Symphony Concert on the Lawn kicks off at 5 p.m. near Old Main. The night concludes with the President's Dessert Reception and a fireworks display after dark.

2. Drive with Extra Care

As you make your way to campus for Commencement festivities, be alert to road construction projects on Main Street and Seminary Street—and the resulting traffic detours.

Guests arriving from Interstate 74 should take Main Street until reaching Allens Avenue, turn left onto Allens, and then turn right onto South Street. Guests arriving from U.S. 34 should exit at Henderson Street, head south on Henderson until reaching Main Street, turn left onto Main Street, and then turn right onto Cherry Street.

To get a better idea of all this, take a look at our map showing the detours.

3. Can't Attend? Watch Online

Watch Commencement live at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 4.

4. Celebrate at the Post-Commencement Picnic Lunch

Graduates and their families are invited to a picnic lunch of wrap sandwiches, side dishes, and dessert immediately after the Commencement ceremony. The lunch will be on the South Lawn of Seymour Union (or the Hard Knox Cafe in case of rain).

Tickets to the lunch should be purchased online in advance.

5. Share on Social Media

Commencement is a joyful time, so feel free to share the good vibes—and your Commencement photos, videos, and memories—with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Please use the hashtag #KnoxGrad. Some of your best posts will appear on Knox's social media channels.