Dartmouth Commencement

I've said it before and I'll say it again: in terms of emotion, beautiful moments, and rich tradition, one of the few things that rivals a wedding is a college commencement.

I had the opportunity to be a staff photographer at Dartmouth’s commencement yesterday, and though it threatened to rain, it never did. We just had beautiful soft light.

















Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the college's popular and dynamic president.
















President George H.W. Bush received an honorary doctorate for his bravery in World War II, and his long life of service to our country. Yesterday was his 87th birthday.















Former First Lady Barbara Bush, as poised and gracious as ever.















In a seeming non sequitur, Conan O'Brien also received an honorary doctorate and gave the commencement address.











He kept everyone, including President Bush, laughing for nearly twenty minutes before talking about how to deal with disappointment, referring to his loss of hosting the Tonight Show when NBC gave the position to Jay Leno. You can see the address at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmDYXaaT9sA.







The real stars of the show, of course, were the graduates.













There was a mixture of joy, relief, and pride on everyone's faces.



















































And celebration between classmates who supported and encouraged one another over four years.





































His graduation gown will never smell quite the same.














Joy, relief, pride, and disbelief.


















































After the ceremony, families express their feelings as well.