Two area universities will hold winter commencement ceremonies this weekend.

Missouri Western holds graduation ceremonies Saturday in the Looney Complex Arena. Western Senior Bridget Janssen will continue the new tradition of student speakers. Area businessman Joe Gray will receive an honorary Doctorate degree for his contributions to the University. Westerns commencement starts at 11 am Saturday.

Also, Northwest Missouri State Universities commencement ceremony will be tomorrow afternoon at Bearcat Arena. Jeff Brochards, a Northwest graduate and president and CEO of the Kansas City Board of Trade is the speaker. Graduation ceremonies start at one Friday afternoon at Northwest. It can also be watched online on www.nwmissouri.edu/live.