As part of our continuing coverage of Spring Commencement, this issue includes a photo collage highlighting some of the many diverse celebrations across campus and a feature story about an undergraduate’s role in the honorary degree for legendary Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell Tigers’ (Harwell degree got its start with student’s letter >).
ABC News anchor and Law School alumnus Bob Woodruff, above left, delivers the keynote address during Spring Commencement. More than 30,000 people — including 5,000 graduates, above right top — gathered April 26 in the Diag, a first-time graduation venue because of ongoing construction at Michigan Stadium. U-M brought in 30,000 folding chairs, below left, and 20 bleachers to accommodate the commencement crowd. Above right bottom, students celebration after Graduate Commencement Exercises at Rackham Auditorium. Below right, Provost Teresa Sullivan appears on large screens as she welcomes the Class of 2008. President Mary Sue Coleman, above left, presents an honorary Doctor of Laws to Njabulo Ndebele, vice chancellor and principal of the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Above right: Rackham Graduate School Dean Janet Weiss, left, welcomes graduate students during the commencement processional at Rackham Hall. Below left: Lance Jones, left, is congratulated by Dean of Students Sue Eklund during the Spectrum Center’s Lavender Graduation in the Michigan Union Pendleton Room. Spectrum Center Director Jackie Simpson, right, and Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper also took part in the April 24 graduation celebration for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and their allies. Below right: It took workers several weeks to transform the Diag into a commencement venue.
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