Despite threats of heavy rainfall, students gathered with their family and friends under the historic green elms in front of Nassau Hall to celebrate Princeton University’s 263rd Commencement on Tuesday morning.
The ceremony honored 1,175 bachelor’s degree recipients — 1,166 from the graduating Class of 2010 and nine undergraduates from previous classes — and 804 recipients of graduate degrees. Degree candidates were joined by roughly 7,500 family members and friends.
In her remarks, President Shirley Tilghman reminded students of the increasing polarization of politics and the media, urging new graduates to build on the diversity they experienced at Princeton to find new, inclusive ways to solve world problems.
“One aspect of keeping democracy alive and well is seeking common purpose and finding common ground with one another,” she said. “On our campus you have been exposed to a rich smorgasbord of ideas, perspectives and cultures, both inside and outside the classroom. Our goal was not to turn you into walking encyclopedias … Rather, you were asked to acquire learning so that you would have the intellectual foundation to engage with the great ideas and pressing issues of the day.”
Tilghman also noted the importance of preserving intellectual diversity. “We want you to hold strong and well-considered views on a wide variety of issues and to be prepared to articulate those views in debate and defend them to critics,” she explained. “We fully expect that on matters high and low … you will follow in the storied footsteps of generations of Princetonians who have sat on this lawn before you, and hold wildly divergent views.”
Valedictorian David Karp ’10, a mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Berwyn, Pa., spoke on a similar theme, urging students to step outside the boundaries of majors and explore unexpected career options. “We are people first, scholars second and our majors third,” he said. “Our future lives remain a fairly blank sheet of paper, for, while a physics major may have limited options, a person in general does not.”
The traditional Latin salutatorian address was delivered by Marguerite Colson ’10, a history major from New York City, who spoke on managing the balance between tradition and innovation. “Princetonians, as you go forth, see, conquer and imbibe, may you always be faithful to the traditions your success is built upon,” she said. “Remember, though, to make them new and to make them you.”
The University presented honorary degrees to five recipients. Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was presented with a doctor of law to a standing ovation from the audience.
“Denied deserved recognition by a discriminatory profession when she graduated at the top of her law school class, she has dedicated her life to vindicating the constitution’s promise of equality under law,” said Class Day keynote speaker and University orator Charles Gibson ’65. Gibson, who is also a member of the University Board of Trustees, presented the candidates for honorary degrees. “Her jurisprudence is a beacon of freedom that illuminates the continuing power of America’s constitutional ideals.”
Oncologist Olufunmilayo Olopade and chemistry professor emeritus Edward Taylor were both presented with an honorary doctor of science. Harvard president and historian Drew Faust and former South African constitutional court justice Albie Sachs each received an honorary doctor of law.
Awards for excellence in secondary school teaching were also presented to four New Jersey teachers: Roy Chambers of Westfield High School, Gregory Devine of Delbarton School, Argine Safari of Pascack Valley High School and Hans Toft of Cape May County Technical High School.
In anticipation of bad weather, the usual order of the ceremony was rearranged and the conferral of degrees immediately followed opening remarks. Though the stormy weather held off, Tilghman advised participants that, in the case of storms, the ceremony would be adjourned.
Several parents, like Orly Nobel, whose daughter Yael Nobel ’10 was one of the graduates, expressed their satisfaction with the commencement exercises and noted, in particular, their appreciation of Tilghman’s remarks.
“We’re all very, very touched — and proud,” Orly Nobel said. “I thought it was very well done. I really was touched by the president’s speech.”
Theresa Metzger, who attended the ceremony with her daughter Sarita Metzger ’10, also said she was moved by the events of the day, noting that the graduation exercises were “four years in the making.”
Recent graduate Daphne Chen ’10 said she was “ambivalent” about graduating, but that the experience was “mostly good.”
“I’m going to miss Princeton a lot; I’m going to miss my friends,” she said. “But [I’m] excited because it’s a new chapter in all our lives.”