University celebrates 262nd Commencement

“Blue skies! Blue skies!” President Tilghman exclaimed as she walked onto the damp front lawn of Nassau Hall to preside over the University’s 262nd Commencement. Though the outdoor ceremony was initially threatened by heavy rainfall early this morning, the sun was shining by the time the 1,881 graduates marched out FitzRandolph Gate.

Roughly 7,000 family members and friends attended the ceremony, in which 1,128 students were awarded bachelor’s degrees and 753 students were awarded graduate degrees. Speakers encouraged graduates to continue their pursuit of knowledge outside Princeton’s gates and to apply what they have learned to some of the world’s greatest challenges.

“As you walk, skip or run through the FitzRandolph Gates today, as educated citizens of this and many other nations, I hope that you take from this place a sense of purpose that is drawn from an understanding of the major challenges of our day,” Tilghman said in her Commencement address. “If you do, you will be carrying forward the spirit of Princeton and all that this place has aspired to teach you.”

Like Class Day speaker Katie Couric and Baccalaureate speaker Gen. David Petraeus GS ’85, Tilghman addressed the challenges the graduates face as they leave the University in the midst of the most serious economic recession in decades. She assured them that their Princeton education will help them weather the crisis.

“Everyone in this audience, I suspect, has been touched in one way or another by the consequences of the market crash,” Tilghman said. “Luckily for you, the education you have received at Princeton — an education that we rightfully claim does not prepare you for one job but for many jobs — puts you in remarkably good stead in an uncertain time.”

Holger Staude ’09, this year’s valedictorian and an economics major from Frankfurt, Germany, also referenced the recession in his speech, noting that “it may take some time” before this year’s graduates are able to donate money to the University. But he focused primarily on urging the graduates to ask questions and be skeptical of the answers.

“I believe that asking the right questions and being somewhat careful about the answers we receive will help us whether we’re trying to make a case in the boardroom or at a nightclub,” Staude said. “Our graduation today initiates a stream of social, intellectual and, hopefully, monetary dividends. While you may lose your job, your car, your house and everything you own, your ability to ask the questions and subject the answers to a healthy dose of skepticism is yours to keep for life.”

Stephen Hammer ’09, a classics major and a Rhodes scholar from Carrollton, Texas, delivered the traditional salutatorian address in Latin.

“With the journey having been begun, finish the race: Love justice, shun vice, and exhibit integrity to the republic and compassion to all men,” he said. “To all those who helped us to come this far, of ages past and present, hail and farewell.”

The University also awarded five honorary degrees at the ceremony, including a doctor of fine arts degree to actress Meryl Streep, who has won two Oscars and holds the records for the most Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations in acting.

“She has been called the greatest actor of her generation, and she has the resume to prove it,” University trustee Brent Henry ’69 said. “She sees herself as a translator whose mission is to explain people to each other … Today we tell her how well she has succeeded.”

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Community organizer Ernesto Cortes, author and producer Ruby Dee Davis, mechanical and aerospace engineering professor emeritus Irvin Glassman and chef Alice Waters were also awarded honorary degrees.