More than 1,500 graduating seniors and master's degree candidates have been invited to participate in the event scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. at the University Club at the corner of Zelzah Avenue and Nordhoff Street.

Vincent P. Barabba, chairman of Internet Home Alliance and former head of General Motor's Corporate Strategy and Knowledge Development Division, will give the keynote address. Barabba, who served as director of the U.S. Census Bureau from 1973-1976 and 1979-1980, was recently honored by the university as a Distinguished Alumnus.

Seven students will receive special recognition for their outstanding academic performances and contributions to the community.

Brian Onderdonk, 22, of Simi Valley, is this year's Wolfson Scholar, an honor given each year to the university's top graduating senior. Onderdonk is getting a bachelor's degree in music. He would like to become a conductor, and has already composed several musical pieces.

Adam Krisan, 26, of Northridge, who is getting his master's in exercise science, has been selected as this year's recipient of an Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He will be going on to UCLA in the fall to pursue graduate studies on biomedical sciences.

Also receiving the Association of Retired Faculty Memorial Award for outstanding graduate student is Kathleen Cone, 41, of Burbank. Cone is getting her master's in family studies and plans to go on and get her doctorate.

Four graduates will be singled out for an "Outstanding Graduating Senior Award":

• Maral Farsi, 22, of Calabasas, is getting her bachelor's degree in health education. Farsi plans to go on and get a master's and eventually a doctorate in health administration. She currently works as a health policy intern for state Sen. Sheila Kuehl.
• Jennifer C. Gomez, 21, of Canoga Park, is getting her bachelor's degree in women's studies with a minor in Central American studies. She will begin her graduate studies at Ohio State University in the fall.
• Odi C. Osonkie, 21, of Northridge, is getting a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. He will begin graduate work in biomedical science at UCLA in the fall.
• Nelson "Ari" Soto, 24, of Canoga Park, is getting his bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering. He has a job with General Electric.