Graduation site moved due to Activities Building Remodel

By True Grimes

For the first time ever, Bloominton Sheraton Hotel is hosting the Normandale graduation commencement and reception on May 16.

The move to the hotel will be for the next two years because of a remodeling project in the Activities Building, according to Joe Poell, director of Student Life.

In addition, Normandale has negotiated a 20 percent discount the Sheraton’s regular room rates for graduates and their guests wanting to rent one of 564 guest rooms. Free parking is available for attendees as well.

The Grand Ballroom opens for commencement guests at 5:30 pm and the processional ceremony begins at 6:30 pm. Following the processional is the reception, which is in the Grand Ballroom foyer.

Additional hotel dining services include Nine Mile Grill, serving American cuisine until 10 p.m. and accepting reservations at (952) 893-8473. Furthermore, Navigator’s Lounge offers light fare until 12 midnight.

Room service is also available until 12 am for meals, snacks and beverages. An indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and 24-hour fitness facility are complimentary features.

The special discount is available online only at www.Sheraton.com/minneapolissouth. Start at the Reservations tab, click and fill in reservation specifics, then enter Search.

Under Find Rooms & Rates Search Results, go to Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis South and click Book Now.

Under Available Rooms, scroll down the dark orange left bar to SET/Corporate Account #, fill in the code that is 338687, and click Search.

As a result, rates displayed under each of the 14 bed type choices, reflect the 20 percent price cut. Finally, click Reserve to proceed and complete reservations.

Regarding directions to the graduation site at www.mapquest.com, drive I-494 E/ MN-5, then Merge onto MN-100 N/ Normandale Blvd via Exit 7A. Take the Industrial Blvd/W 77th St Exit and follow the Industrial Blvd ramp.

Turn Slight Right onto W 77th St/77th St W/Edina Industrial Blvd, turn Left onto Normandale Blvd, and End at 7800 Normandale Blvd. The Sheraton is located four miles from school.

For additional information, contact Joe Poell at joe.poell@normandale.edu and (952)487-8124. Poell is in charge of the facilities planning part of graduation.