The first annual Convocation for Academic Excellence will be held 5 p.m. Sunday in the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom.

In years past, the University Honors Program held their own ceremony, and the other awards were given out at commencement.

The ceremony will honor graduating honors students and selected honors students for their work over the past year.

“It will be a very nice ceremony,” said Michael Martin, master of ceremonies and director of the University Honors Program.

Among those being honored this year are 2003 Presidential Teaching Professors Gerald Gabris and Robert Chappell and Presidential Research Professorships William Baker and Christine Worobec.

A number of distinguished graduate students will also be honored for their work at NIU.

The reception following the ceremony will be held in the Holmes Student Center’s Regency Room.