A record 4,561 students are planning to collect their degrees this spring at The University of Texas at Arlington. More than 3,400 of that preliminary figure will earn their undergraduate degrees. More than 1,000 will earn their master's degrees. And about 120 students plan to take home their doctorate degrees. Fred Perpall, chief executive officer and managing director of The Beck Group, headlines an impressive list of speakers at this year's commencement ceremonies. Perpall, who holds UT Arlington bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture, will speak to the School of Architecture and College of Science at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at College Park Center, 600 S. Center St.

The 39-year-old Perpall was named to the top spot at The Beck Group, a worldwide full-service builder, last year. The Beck Group offers architectural, construction, real estate, sustainable design, financial and technology services.

A full schedule of Commencement Week activities is available online at www.uta.edu/commencement/. Commencement ceremonies will be held May 9 to 11 at College Park Center.