Commencement: May 9, 2016


Commencement celebrates the 'compassion, justice and critical intelligence' of Emory's Class of 2016

Steeped in tradition, Emory's 171st Commencement honored the diverse achievements of this year's 4,585 graduates, distinguished by their commitment to using knowledge in service to the world.

Students gather before Emory's 171st Commencement.

Students gather before Emory's 171st Commencement.

Drums lead the procession into the university-wide Commencement ceremony.
Drums lead the procession into the university-wide Commencement ceremony.
Bagpipes are part of the traditional procession into Commencement.
Bagpipes are part of the traditional procession into Commencement.
The platform party processes to the stage for the start of the 171st Commencement.
The platform party processes to the stage for the start of the 171st Commencement.
Students are all smiles as they wait for the Commencement ceremony to officially begin.
Students are all smiles as they wait for the Commencement ceremony to officially begin.
The Class of 2016 includes 4,494 graduates, earning a total of 4,585 degrees.
The Class of 2016 includes 4,494 graduates, earning a total of 4,585 degrees.
This year's graduating class includes students from 49 states and 76 countries.
This year's graduating class includes students from 49 states and 76 countries.
A crowd of about 15,000 fills the Emory Quadrangle for Commencement.
A crowd of about 15,000 fills the Emory Quadrangle for Commencement.
Emory President James Wagner concludes the procession to the stage for Commencement.
Emory President James Wagner concludes the procession to the stage for Commencement.
President Wagner will retire in August after leading Emory for 13 years.
President Wagner will retire in August after leading Emory for 13 years.
Graduates, faculty and other attendees stand for the national anthem at the start of the Commencement ceremony.
Graduates, faculty and other attendees stand for the national anthem at the start of the Commencement ceremony.
Presiding over his last Emory Commencement, President Wagner praises the Class of 2016 as "entrepreneurs of care."
Presiding over his last Emory Commencement, President Wagner praises the Class of 2016 as "entrepreneurs of care."
The Emory community "demonstrates again and again that a university can, and I believe must, have a soul," President Wagner tells Commencement attendees.
The Emory community "demonstrates again and again that a university can, and I believe must, have a soul," President Wagner tells Commencement attendees.
Nowmee Syeda Shehab 16C, who majored in women¿s, gender and sexuality studies, received the Marion Luther Brittain Service Award, the university¿s highest student award for service and leadership.
Nowmee Syeda Shehab 16C, who majored in women’s, gender and sexuality studies, received the Marion Luther Brittain Service Award, the university’s highest student award for service and leadership.
Nancy Thompson 71C 77PH, professor of behavioral sciences and health education in the Rollins School of Public Health, received the United Methodist Church University Scholar-Teacher Award.

Nancy Thompson 71C 77PH, professor of behavioral sciences and health education in the Rollins School of Public Health, received the United Methodist Church University Scholar/Teacher Award.

Eloise Carter 78G 83PhD, professor of biology at Oxford College, earned the Thomas Jefferson Award for significant service to the University through personal activities, influence and leadership.

Eloise Carter 78G 83PhD, professor of biology at Oxford College, earned the Thomas Jefferson Award for significant service to the University through personal activities, influence and leadership.

Gus Danowski accepts an honorary degree on behalf of his father, Raymond Danowski, whose collections became one of Emory's literary jewels, the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library.
Gus Danowski accepts an honorary degree on behalf of his father, Raymond Danowski, whose collections became one of Emory's literary jewels, the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library.
President Wagner congratulates Colorado State University professor Temple Grandin as she receives an honorary degree for her contributions as an autism advocate and expert on animal behavior.
President Wagner congratulates Colorado State University professor Temple Grandin as she receives an honorary degree for her contributions as an autism advocate and expert on animal behavior.
Nobel laureate and Harvard professor Amartya Sen receives an honorary degree for his groundbreaking research into welfare economics and the impact of economic policies on nations and communities.
Nobel laureate and Harvard professor Amartya Sen receives an honorary degree for his groundbreaking research into welfare economics and the impact of economic policies on nations and communities.
Renowned epidemiologist William Foege gives the keynote address after receiving the Emory President's Medal.
Renowned epidemiologist William Foege gives the keynote address after receiving the Emory President's Medal.
"Home is not where you are from; home is where you are needed," William Foege tells graduates at the end of his address. "As I congratulate you on what you have done, I also hope we all find our way home."
"Home is not where you are from; home is where you are needed," William Foege tells graduates at the end of his address. "As I congratulate you on what you have done, I also hope we all find our way home."
Graduates celebrate as they prepare to move on to the next phase in their lives, encouraged by President Wagner to "carry your creativity, excellence and character into the communities that await you."
Graduates celebrate as they prepare to move on to the next phase in their lives, encouraged by President Wagner to "carry your creativity, excellence and character into the communities that await you."
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