Commencement at Princeton

While Commencement at Princeton follows a rich tradition, many changes have been introduced since the original graduation ceremony in 1748. For this, those in attendance — the Class of 2001 this year — should be profoundly grateful.

By all accounts, Commencement retains the sense of importance that is befitting its purpose. But, for example, they are no longer an entire day long.

Princeton's first graduation followed the University's establishment as the College of New Jersey by only two years. Six gentlemen were awarded bachelor degrees, and an honorary master's degree was conferred upon Jonathan Belcher, the royal governor of New Jersey. The ceremony was spoken entirely in Latin, save for a concluding prayer delivered in English.

The occasion prompted a staggering amount of oratory — so much that morning and afternoon sessions had to be held.

During the morning session, the College's royal charter was read in its entirety. The afternoon session consisted of a series of speeches and disputations. Princeton's second president, Aaron Burr, Sr., offered his 45-minute "elegant Oration in the Latin tongue, delivered memoriter."

The six graduates then engaged in "public Disputations in Latin" on separate philosophical and theological questions. Finally, the 30-minute salutatorian address was "performed in good Latin from [...] Memory in a handsome oratorical Manner."

Modern Commencement exercises at Princeton, by contrast, last about an hour. Approximately 1,200 undergraduate and 400 advanced degrees are awarded, and Latin is used only by the President to confer the degrees and by the salutatorian in his or her address.

Because the College was not located in Princeton until 1756, early graduation ceremonies were held in a Newark meetinghouse. The location was changed to Nassau Hall's prayer hall — now the faculty room — following the move to Princeton. It remained there until 1764, when the construction of the First Presbyterian Church provided a more spacious venue.

Throughout this period, the exercises remained largely dependent upon Latin oratory. Yet new traditions gradually eased the formality. The graduating Class of 1760 sang two pieces, both written by University President Samuel Davies. To this day, song remains an integral part of the ceremony. The singing of "Faith of our Fathers" follows the invocation and, of course, "Old Nassau" directly precedes the recessional.

The present site for graduation ceremonies, the front lawn of Nassau Hall, was selected in 1922 after Alexander Hall — which had replaced the Presbyterian Church as the location in 1892 — also became too small for the crowds that Commencement attracted.

But lack of space was not the only problem that early organizers of graduation encountered. Princeton's academic year, at first, included the summer months. Accordingly, Commencement was held in the fall. This would not have presented particular difficulty, except that the ceremony often coincided with the conclusion of harvesting season. Raucous celebrations in the streets often drowned out the orators. The book "Princeton Companion" includes President John Maclean's description of the revelers' activities: "drinking, fiddling and dancing, playing for pennies, and testing the speed of their horses."

As a result, the faculty insisted that the trustees reschedule the ceremony. They did so in 1844, and since then Commencement has taken place in late May or early June, depending on the date of the start of the school year in September.

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In large part, Commencement exercises at Princeton are planned by the Office of the Vice President. Ann Halliday, Special Assistant to the President, explains this is the case because of the strong connection that the Board of Trustees has to the event.

According to the Commencement program, the ceremony "is a continuation of a regular Board meeting" that enables the trustees to confirm, in their official capacity, the awarding of Princeton degrees. The notion of Commencement as a meeting of the trustees is a tradition that Halliday said probably has been established for at least 100 years.

Commencement week begins informally with Reunions from Wednesday through Saturday. Baccalaureate is then held on Sunday, followed by Class Day activities, various receptions, and the senior promenade on Monday. Tuesday is devoted to the actual Commencement exercises. It is estimated that about 9,000 people will attend this year's ceremony.

According to Halliday, guests of the University have always "appreciated the focus that the ceremony is able to provide." She explains that Commencement at Princeton is short and dignified, and features remarks by the University president rather than an outside speaker. Students do, of course, have the opportunity to select a guest speaker, but this person addresses them at the Baccalaureate or Class Day rather than at graduation.

While the administration devotes much effort to the ceremony, its planning is not infallible. The traditional singing of "Old Nassau" at graduation each year is supposed to be lead by a student or a group of students.

Halliday recalls that, one June, no one remembered to make these arrangements. So, after a moment of confusion, President Shapiro "launched right into" the song and, reportedly, performed quite well. Only time will tell whether our new president will be up for the same challenge. In the meanwhile, this June 5th, President Shapiro and the Class of 2001 will participate in the latest installment of one of the longest traditions at Princeton — the Commencement exercises.