Video feature: 'Spirit and Celebration'

Commencement slideshow index

The video "Spirit and Celebration" captures the many graduation and Reunions events that took place on campus, including Princeton's 265th Baccalaureate ceremony, held in the University Chapel.

Photo by Denise Applewhite

Graduation activities marked the conclusion of students' time at Princeton, but as President Shirley M. Tilghman said in her June 5 Commencement address, "As you walk, skip or run through the FitzRandolph Gates today, as citizens of this and many other nations, I hope you will carry forward the spirit of Princeton and the liberal education you have received … [and] aim high and be bold!"

This video highlights the variety of events surrounding Commencement. It shows celebrations of student and alumni accomplishments; class gatherings and theatrical performances; the Baccalaureate service, the Lavender, Pan-African and Latino graduations; and the Hooding ceremony for advanced-degree candidates. The graduating seniors hailed their Class Day speaker, actor Steve Carrell, by making him an honorary member of the Class of 2012. Those receiving honorary degrees at the Commencement ceremony included the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin.

Additional photographs from selected graduation ceremonies are available.