CHAPEL HILL — Thousands of college students are about to turn their tassles. BothN.C. StateandUNCseniors graduate this weekend, butraindropscould put a damper on commencement.

Sarah Ferguson says it was a proud moment to see her son, Jeff, graduate at UNC last year, despite getting soaking wet.

"It was rainy at 9:15 a.m. and the thunderstorm came. We were sitting on bleachers, but we stayed right there. I was not moving," she says.

Jeff received his Bachelor's degree last spring. This year, he is getting a Master's degree in Accounting, but he is going to have his pictures taken in both gowns.

"Last year, it was raining before graduation, so we couldn't get any [pictures] before graduation. There were too many people here after graduation, so we had to catch up for last year and this year," he says.

Kenan Stadium is getting a facelift for Sunday's celebration. If the National Weather Service predicts heavy rain, thunder and lightning, officials will decide around 6:30 a.m. Sunday whether to move the exercises to the Dean Smith Center.

UNC will notify the radio, television and their local information channel if there is a change in plans. N.C. State students will not have to worry if there is rainy weather on Saturday. Their ceremony will take place in the Entertainment and Sports Arena at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Photographer:Ed Wilson