Lonnie Privratsky proof reads more than 800 diplomas about four times before they reach the hands of University of Mary graduates.

At least one diploma she can count on to be correct without a second glance: her own. The university's assistant registrar is graduating along with 855 other students.

Privratsky coordinates graduation at the university, from diplomas to names in the programs and caps and gowns for the faculty.

"It's like preparing for a wedding," she said.

Every year, for the past seven years, she has booked the Civic Center, arranged a block of hotel rooms for out of town students and organized the special guests for the ceremony.

Graduation is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bismarck Civic Center. Former North Dakota governor Art Link and former first lady Grace Johnson Link will be awarded an honorary doctorate for their leadership and service. University of North Dakota School of Medicine associate dean Mary Wakefield will give the commencement address.

Privratsky will earn a bachelor's degree in theology Saturday. By going back to school, she's gained a new perspective on education she could occasionally share with her younger classmates. Being older, she sees how maturity affects her focus and preparation for classes.

"I have much better grades," she said, with a laugh.

She remembers what it was like to be tired of school and wanting to quit. When she was a sophomore at Concordia College in the '60s, she felt as some of her younger contemporaries now feel. But, she realizes it's something that comes with age.

Her marriage to Frank provided an opportunity to take a different path. She quit school, helped her husband on the ranch and raised three daughters. After her children graduated high school, a friend convinced her to go back to school. They took classes at Bismarck State College. At first it was just for fun, but by 1992, she earned her associates degree in liberal studies. It would be a decade before she started on her bachelor's degree.

She knew she wanted to go to University of Mary, and if she worked there, taking classes would be part of the benefits.

A theology degree is a different path from the one she was headed down in the 1960s. She was working on general requirements with a thought of going into a medical profession. Times change, and so do interests. She hopes to use her new degree to be a grief facilitator at a church or funeral home.

But first, there is graduation to attend to. People are counting on her. By the time the graduating students sit down after the processional, Privratsky can relax. Her responsibilities will keep her from participating in the entry walk.

"There are too many things to get taken care of," she said.

Her own celebration will be low-key with her husband, two of her daughters and two cousins attending the ceremony. Instead of a party afterward, she and her husband might take a trip to celebrate her degree and their recent 40th anniversary.

Prior to graduation, there will be an event to recognize the nominees of the outstanding senior award. The annual President's Breakfast for the nominees is 8:30 a.m. in the University Hall dining room. A Baccalaureate Eucharistic Liturgy will follow the breakfast at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel in the Benedictine Center.

Nominees for the 2007 Outstanding Senior are: Andrea Cotton, Hillsboro; Kayla Campbell, Bottineau; Nikki Dillmann, Baldwin; Joanna Ferguson, Gillette, Wyo.; Lindsey Jahner, Bismarck; Natalie Kienzle, Dickinson; Katie Knoll, Mandan; Mark Kuntz, Dickinson; Michael Langer, Bismarck; Kristen Mettler, Hazen; Amanda Myers, Great Falls, Mont.; Matthew Power, Bismarck; Mary Sandness, LaMoure; Krisann Schneeberger, Fergus Falls, Minn.; Darius Seidler, Schwanebeck, Germany; Heather Smith, Minot; Misty Staiger, Hebron; Melissa Stroklund, Minot; Jai Shaun White, Las Vegas; Andrew Wikenheiser, Linton.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@bismarcktribune.com.)