I Again, I I Before  we  begin  today's  program, it  is  important  Porter free  expression  values. Members  of  the  Princeton  University  community and  visitors  have broad  freedom  to  express  themselves  in a  manner  consistent  with the  university's  policies. At  the  same  time,  university  policies prohibit  conduct  that, among  other  things,  disrupts university  operations  and  activities. To  be  clear,  any  individuals  who disrupt  this  event  are in  violation  of  university  policy, subject  to  disciplinary  action, and  will  be  asked  to leave  the  premises  immediately. If  they  do  not  leave  immediately, they  will  be  considered a  defiant  trespasser  under New  Jersey  criminal  law and  subject  to  arrest. Good  morning.  President  Christopher L.  I  Kruer, the  20th  President  of Princeton  University  will preside  at  this  the  278th  commencement. President  Is  Kruuber. The  invocation  will  be pronounced  by  Dean  Thames. Please  join  me  in  a  spirit  of  prayer. In  the  name  of  all  that  we hold  holy  and  sacred, we  give  thanks  for  this  beautiful  day. The  journey  to  commencement has  been  filled  with  beautiful  memories, heartbreaking  pain,  and  incredible  joy. For  each  moment  we  give  thanks. May  this  closing  ceremony  gift each  of  you  with  hope  for  new  beginnings. May  Your  shared  journey  here  draw  you  closer, even  as  you  go  your  separate  ways. Princeton  Class  of  2025, may  courage  be  the  wind at  your  backs  as  you  step  into the  world  to  be  in the  nation's  service  and the  service  of  humanity. May  it  be  so  Amen. Amen.  You  may  be  seated. It  is  my  pleasure  this  morning  on  behalf  of Princeton  University  to  welcome all  of  you  to  campus. I  would  like  to  extend warm  greetings  to  families  and  friends  who have  gathered  here  to  celebrate  with recipients  of  advanced  degrees  from Princeton's  graduate  school  and the  graduating  seniors  of the  great  Princeton  University  Class  of  2025. Now,  today's  graduating  students have  much  to  be  proud  of, but  they  also  have  much  to  be  grateful  for. I  am  certain  that  all  of our  students  would  agree  that  they  would not  have  made  it  to  this morning's  happy  celebration  without the  support  of  family  and friends  who  helped  them  along  the  way. I  would  accordingly  ask  at this  time  that  the  parents,  grandparents, other  family  members  and  friends  of today's  graduating  students  rise  and  remain standing  so  that  we can  join  in  thanking  them  for the  extraordinary  contributions  that they  have  made  to the  achievements  we  honor  today. Thank  you.  I  would also  like  to  take  a  moment to  recognize  friends, family,  classmates,  and  others  who can  be  with  us  today  only in  spirit  and  memory. Many  families  here  have lost  loved  ones  over  the  past  year. When  we  look  beyond  our  own  community, we  see  a  troubled  world  where many  people  ache  with  pain  or  sorrow. Please  join  me  in  observing  a  moment  of silent  compassion for  all  the  many  people  in  the  world, be  they  near  this  campus  or  far  from  it, who  bear  the  burdens  of  loss, injustice,  violence, natural  disaster,  disease,  or  poverty. Thank  you.  As  we  reflect on  this  joyous  day and  those  that  preceded  it, I  would  like  to  thank the  hundreds  of  faculty, students,  staff,  alumni, and  volunteers  who  have contributed  to  the  success of  the  last  week  at  Princeton. I  would  especially  like to  recognize  facility  operations, which  according  to  the  most recent  and  up  to  date  tallies, set  up  more  than  30,000  chairs,  3,400  tables, and  1,500  trash  and  recycling receptacles  and provided  the  staging  and  event  support. The  campus  dining  personnel who  have  served  almost  64,000 meals  at  more  than  275  events and  campus  Support  Services, which  coordinated over  250  staff  volunteers and  student  workers, providing  guest  services  and technical  support  for  the  major  events. The  amazing  teams  from these  departments  and  others  have  been  here at  the  break  of  dawn  and  late into  the  night  for  the  last  week  to a  multiple  transformations  of the  campus  from  reunions to  the  baccalaureate  service, from  class  day  to  the  hooding  ceremony, and  finally  to  this  moment at  Princeton  Stadium. They  make  events  like  today  possible. I  would  also  like  to  acknowledge Senior  Associate  Secretary  of the  University,  Christine  Gage, and  Executive  Director  of campus  Support  Services, Nick  Robinson  and  express  my  appreciation  for their  tireless  oversight  and logistical  support  of  our  graduation  events. Please,  everyone,  join  me  in  thanking all  of  these  dedicated  Princetonians. The  Latin  salutatory  will be  delivered  by  Rosie  Eden, a  senior  from  Scottsdale,  Arizona. Havita  in  committeis  academics  Pgonie, ante  dim  sextum  colands  nis. Anobis  milesimo  kesimo  Quinto, Ano  academia  ductesimos  tao. Salute  ersimi  parents  discipli  ami. Cowanmus  ot  celebramus  magnum  cohortm, Anibis  melissimi  simi  inti, I  Non  possum  ex  cogitae  modu  meliorm principum  nom  forum  designndi, amore  antiqua  lo  quasi  ego  kero. Imprimo  ano  nostro, capita  alta  ferntes  princtonabmus, t  singles  hebdomtbus  ex  ccs  orbus  in fistulas  butawus  t virus  malum  corona  propyloremus. Ects  temporabus  fellatm  in  wire  potuimus du  moscas  Optimus  in duimus  et  fruim  remotis  examinibus. Secundo  sesris  animus  nostros ereximus  et  moscas  moimus, aus  conspico  acas  Partes inferiores  magisorm  nostrum  foru. Pro  Yo  contempto  principio  de  figli iteris  disciplina  nostra  ictors  exius. A  reliqui  princone  mutationibus  insigns  fer, dormitoria  residentialia, et  triclina  de  structa  et refeca  P  innumera  constructionis obstacula  sulla  iteris  coursum  vigaus, eat  campus  noster  mutabor  et  nos  mut. Para  borees  et  tribulationes, tales  enes  facti  sumus  ales  nucmus. Wikimus  tract  tatus maltus  probmorum  collectiones, tempus  lutes  dolce  conto crinum  vi  prospectus  indulgremus. In  campo  nostro, infantis  rubris  cannabusque  wictis rogum  gloria a  candimus  Descnmus  in  insomnia  mati, et  animi  et  corporis  mun  tupe  faientes Ut  temus  lus  caris, amusis  totes  consecrate,  Tate  memorias  us  Tb. Dum  nos  prepara  mus  porta  Fitz  Randolfi  ire, memento  amcorum  et  magisorm, et  in  campo  Gestorum  a  nos  formabant. Teamus  memorias  and  Corbus  nostris Dum  Abhis  Murris  Hara  Auertis long  Pfekis  Simo. Wa  Magna  cohort, Anibis  Melsimy  Winchesimi  Quinte  Pfegimus. I  would  like  to  introduce University  provost  Jennifer  Rexford, the  Gordon  YS  Wu  Professor  of  Engineering, who  will  introduce  this  year's  winners  of the  Secondary  School  Teaching  Awards. Each  year  at  commencement, Princeton  honors  four  outstanding  teachers selected  from  the  secondary schools  of  New  Jersey. In  so  doing,  we  gratefully  acknowledge the  exceptional  contributions of  our  colleagues  who teach  in  high  schools  and  in  middle  schools. I  would  like  at  this  time  to recognize  each  teacher  individually. Please  hold  your  applause  until all  the  award  winners  have  been  recognized. Devine  Floy. In  the  words  of  her  colleagues, Devine  Floyd  is  a  trusted  mentor devoted  to  student  achievement,  who, fosters  a  collaborative  culture that  has  enhanced  science  programs and  created  a  network  of  support outside  the  classroom,  end  quote. She's  been  described  by her  students  as  encouraging,  kind, and  patient,  with  one  student  remarking, She  has  changed  my  perspective about  everything  in  life. I  never  imagined  biology could  be  so  much  fun, exciting,  and  have  such  profound  meaning. Her  passion  for  teaching,  her  energy, and  her  ability  to  connect biology  to  the  real  world made  every  lesson  feel like  a  journey  of  discovery. Lorraine  Kuiper, referred  to  as  the  heartbeat of  Memorial  by  her  colleagues, Lorianne  Kiper's  teaching  style has  been  described  as a  seamless  blend  of adaptability,  creativity,  and  inspiration. As  founder  of  the school's  character  education  program, she  has  instilled  in her  students  the  importance  of  character  and integrity  as  she  works  tirelessly  to  build community  both  within  her  school and  with  the  surrounding  town. As  misses  Kippers  puts  it in  a  world  where  disconnect  is  pervasive, our  classrooms  provide a  brief  time  to  offer  energy, focus,  and  visibility  to  our  students and  help  them  feel  connected enough  to  help  others. Ann  Wynn. In  her  six  years  at Camden  Catholic  High  School  Ann  Ny or  Doc,  to  her  colleagues, has  grown  the  STEM  program  dramatically, introducing  new  course  offerings  and programs  that  include a  design  thinking  class, an  innovation  lab,  a  robotics  program, and  a  STEM  research  mentorship  program. According  to  colleagues, she  is  the  STEM  program. And  in  the  words  of  her  students, She  lets  us  discover  that  there  is  not one  right  answer  to  problems. She  emphasizes  teamwork  that goes  beyond  group  work. We  depend  on  one  another  and  our  teams. This  model  is  at the  forefront  of  our  learning. Theater  Oterbeck. According  to  Theater  Opterbck there  is  no  greater  joy  as  a  teacher  than guiding  students  as  they apply  their  learning  to  address real  world  problems  and  make life  better  for  others,  end  quote. For  29  years,  he  has  served  as  a  teacher, advisor,  coach, and  mentor  to  students at  Waldwick  High  School. As  advisor  to  the  Global  Awareness  Club, he  meets  with  his  students  before the  day  begins  and  leads a  weekly  virtual  tutoring  session with  students  in  Kenya. As  one  student  says, Mr.  Oh's  leadership  inspires students  to  engage  with  global  issues, broadening  their  perspectives  and  making a  visible  difference  in  the  lives  of  others. Please  join  me  in  recognizing these  teachers'  extraordinary  contributions to  our  society's  future. Let  me  now  introduce the  Dean  of  the  College  and the  Rosengarten  Professor  of modern  and  contemporary  history, Michael  Gordon,  who  will  present the  candidates  for  undergraduate  degrees. At  this  time,  we  recognize  each  undergraduate who  has  qualified  for Princeton  University's  bachelor's  degree. Let  me  remind  you  at  the  outset  that your  diplomas  and  program  certificates can  be  picked  up  at your  residential  college  at the  conclusion  of  these  exercises. We  begin  with  the  candidates  for the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts. Before  presenting  you  to President  Ice  Gruer  and  to the  trustees  for the  awarding  of  your  degrees, I  will  introduce  you informally  department  by  department. Please  stand  in  place as  your  department  is  named. I  ask  your  families,  classmates, and  friends  to  withhold  their  applause  until all  undergraduates  in each  group  have  been  introduced. First,  I  should  like  to  invite  the  members  of the  following  departments  to stand  Art  and  Archaeology. The  School  of  Architecture, English,  and  Music. Please  be  seated. Now,  the  members  of these  departments, Classics,  Comparative  Literature, East  Asian  studies,  French  and  Italian, German,  Near  Eastern  studies, philosophy,  religion, Slavic  languages  and  literatures, Spanish  and  Portuguese, and  the  Independent  Concentration  Program. Please  be  seated. We  next  turn  to the  Departments  of Anthropology  and  Economics. Please  be  seated. Will  undergraduate  members  of these  departments  please  rise? History  and  politics? Please  be  seated. Now,  those  in  African  American  Studies, Sociology,  and the  School  of  Public and  International  Affairs. Please  be  seated. Will  seniors  in these  departments  please  stand? Ecology  and  Evolutionary  Biology, Chemistry,  Geosciences,  Molecular  Biology. Please  be  seated. Finally,  I  wish  to introduce  the  seniors  receiving the  Bachelor  of  Arts degrees  in  astrophysical  science, computer  science, mathematics  and  neuroscience, physics,  and  psychology. Please  be  seated.  At  this  time, all  candidates  for  the  degree  of Bachelor  of  Arts  are invited  to  stand  together. Hang  on  a  sec. President  Ice  Gruber, I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  and your  fellow  trustees  the  candidates standing  before  you  and the  other  candidates  duly certified  to  you  who  have  completed the  scholastic  requirements  for the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts authorites  prima  et  a Please  be  seated.  At  this  time, we  recognize each  undergraduate  who  has  qualified for  the  degree  of  Bachelor of  Science  in  Engineering. Once  again,  I  will  invite  you  to stand  in  place  as  your  department  is  named, and  I  will  ask  your  families,  classmates, and  friends  to  hold  their  applause  until the  undergraduates  in each  group  have  been  introduced. I  invite  Bachelor  of Science  and  Engineering  candidates in  the  following  departments  to  arise. Chemical  and  biological  engineering, civil  and  environmental  engineering, electrical  and  computer  engineering, Mechanical  and  Aerospace  Engineering. Please  be  seated. And  finally,  I  would  like to  introduce  seniors  in the  Departments  of  Computer  Science and  Operations Research  and  Financial  Engineering. At  this  time,  all candidates  for  the  degree  of Bachelor  of  Science  and  Engineering are  invited  to  stand  together. President  Is  Gruber, I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  and your  fellow  trustees  the  candidates standing  before  you  and the  other  candidates  duly certified  to  you  who  have  completed the  scholastic  requirements  for the  degree  of  Bachelor of  Science  in  Engineering. Actors  cob at. Please  be  seated. I  say  that,  but  now  let  me  finally invite  the  entire  class  of  2025, 1,293  strong  to  rise  as  a  body. Artists,  writers, scholars,  athletes,  campus  leaders, community  volunteers,  recipients  of  honors, certificates,  and  prizes, members  of  honor  societies, winners  of  fellowships. You  have  put  your  imprint  on  this  university, and  you  leave  with our  warmest  congratulations. The  faculty  elects the  valedictorian  each  year, taking  into  account  specials, as  well  as  scholastic  ranking. This  year's  valedictorian  is  Eric  Medina, a  senior  from  Miami,  Florida. Good  morning,  everyone.  It  is an  honor  and  a  privilege to  speak  to  you  all  today, to  represent  an  institution  that has  stood  for  nearly  three  centuries. It  is  humbling  beyond  words. Even  more  so  to  the  graduating  seniors, I  could  not  be  more proud  to  stand  in  front  of  you. As  we  all  prepare  to part  ways  and  chart  new  paths  in  life, it  is  customary  for the  valedictorian  to  offer  some  words of  reflection  on  the  Princeton  experience and  dare  I  say, words  of  wisdom  for  the  future. Now,  I  could  regale  you all  with  explanations  about  why uranium  is  the  coolest  element  on the  periodic  table  or  what the  most  important  skills  are  that  one acquires  in  a  well  rounded  college  education, I,  the  precision  tossing  of ping  pong  balls  into  solo  cups. Instead,  though,  I  thought that  I  would  be  a  bit  more philosophical  and  offer  the  seniors some  words  of  reflection  on my  understanding  of the  university's  informal  motto in  the  nation's  service  and in  the  service  of  humanity. To  serve  one's  nation  is an  admirable  goal  to  work hard  to  improve the  lives  of  those  around  you. But  to  serve  humanity, now  that  is  a  far  loftier and  more  intangible  goal. Humans,  we  are a  curious  species  on  this  earth. Our  emotions  are  messy, and  our  actions  and convictions  are  complicated. We  are  capable  of  astounding good  and  unfathomable  evil. Yet,  in  spite  of  these  contradictions, in  just  a  few  thousand  years, we  have  accomplished  truly  incredible  things. We  have  constructed  great  civilization  and wide  webs  of  commerce  and  communication, charted  our  genome,  and bent  the  very  forces  of  nature  to  our  whim. All  of  this  we  have  done  together. The  great  physicist,  Max  Planck, once  said  that  new scientific  ideas  spring  from an  individually  inspired  researcher  who struggles  with  his  problems in  lonely  thought. Respectfully,  I  think  he  was  full  of  it. Creativity  and  determination might  be  uniquely  individual, but  we  find  the  will  to  struggle  and  the  will to  succeed  because  of  the  people  around  us. To  think  how  many  success  stories hinge  on  the  passing  encouragement of  a  teacher  or  a  mentor, how  many  great  leaders  stand  on the  shoulders  of  their  parents and  grandparents  sacrifices? How  much  adversity  has  been  overcome thanks  to  the  kindness of  a  spouse  or  a  friend? Simply  put,  the  success  of the  human  race  is  built on  a  mountain  of  small  deeds. Now,  you  all  will  go  on  to  become great  doctors,  scientists,  and  teachers, pioneers  in  business  and  law, as  well  as  talented  journalists and  renowned  artists. Of  this,  I  am  sure, and  in  these  ways,  you will  push  humanity  forward. Amidst  this  success,  though, remember  that  one  of the  greatest  ways  in  which  you  can  serve humanity  or  one  of  the  greatest  ways  that you  can  all  can  engage  in  is  to  be  kind. It  is  cliche.  It  is  easier  said  than  done, and  so  often  we  all  fall  short. But  it  is  something  that  we should  nevertheless  strive  for. The  consequences  of  our  empathy are  small  actions  of compassion  and  everyday  generosity are  far  greater  than any  of  us  can  possibly  imagine. In  that  vein,  my first  act  of  kindness  will  be sparing  you  all  from  any  further philosophical  rumination  on  my  end. After  four  years  of  exams  and papers  and  whatever  was going  on  with  Dean  State  this  year, I'm  sure  that  many  of  you  are  exhausted, some  a  bit  anxious, and  many  more  simply excited  to  begin  the  next  phase  of  life. Incredible  opportunities  await  outside our  little  orange  bubble, opportunities  to  pursue  lifelong  passions, to  develop  meaningful  careers, and  to  raise  families. I  know  that  I  am  incredibly  excited  to teach  and  further  pursue science  in  the  coming  years. I  hope  that  in  this  moment, you  all  find  something,  whatever  that  may  be, to  be  truly  excited  about. Not  to  be  corny,  but  passion truly  is  one  of  the  greatest  things about  a  Princeton  student. I  also  want  to  acknowledge  that, for  all  its  good  memories, Princeton  has  been  far  from  easy. Sometimes  people  assume  that  being on  this  stage  or  even  the mere  fact  of  attending  this  university comes  with  some  aura of  effortless  perfection. I  would  very  much  like  to  drop  that  pretense. College  and  certainly  college  here  is  hard. This  is  an  incredible  flux in  life  professionally, socially,  and  psychologically,  and the  universe  is  seldom shy  about  kicking  you  in  the  teeth. Those  challenges  are  rarely obvious  to  the  outside  observer. So  whether  you  have juggled  research  in  a  lab  or  the  library, 20  hour  practice  weeks  in  the  boathouse, midnight  dance  rehearsals  with bongra  or  any  number  of  personal  struggles, you  all  should  be immensely  proud  of  yourselves, and  you  deserve  an  earnest  congratulations. Likewise,  I  would  also  like  to  take this  moment  to  thank everyone  who  has  helped  us  along  the  way. As  I've  mentioned,  even  with the  strongest  will  to  have come  this  far  requires  support, whether  it  comes  from  family,  friends, communities  of  faith, professors,  or  other  mentors. I  myself  would  like  to  thank my  parents,  grandparents,  brother, and  my  friends  for all  the  support  that  they  have offered  me  in  the  past  four  years. I  could  not  have  done  it  without  you  all. I'd  also  like  to  thank  the  faculty  with a  special  shout  out  to  Eric  Sorenson  and MTK  for  all  their  hard  work in  providing  us  with  a  world  class  education, as  well  as  my  research  mentors, Erin  and  Henning, for  their  invaluable  guidance  and  support. I  would  also  like  to  give  a  special  thanks  to the  seniors  of  the  Princeton  Tower  Club. You  all  have  been  a  truly  wonderful  addition to  my  life  over  the  past  two  years. Honestly,  though,  part  of me  is  surprised  that  I  am  still  here. The  first  time  that I  walked  out  of  a  10:30  P.M. Final  and  it  was  35  degrees  and  raining, the  transfer  application  back  to U  Miami  was  open on  my  laptop  and  ready  to  go. The  Florida  man  in  me  was  not  built  for  this, but  nevertheless,  we  persisted. To  close  us  out  here, I  thought  that  I  would  stay  true to  the  meaning  of  the  word  valedictory, and  that  is  to  say  farewell. Farewell,  my  dear  friends, old  and  new  to  the  classmates  and roommates  and  all  the  brothers and  the  sisters  that  we  made  along  the  way. Farewell  to  the  great  class  of  2025. I  wish  you  all  nothing but  the  best.  Thank  you. At  this  time,  I  would  like  to  introduce Dean  of  the  Graduate  School, Rodney  Priestley, the  Pomeroy  and  Betty  Perry  Smith, Professor  of  chemical and  biological  engineering, who  will  present  the  candidates for  advanced  degrees. Yesterday, at  the  Hoodie  recognition  ceremony, we  had  the  opportunity  to individually  recognize each  graduate  student  who  has qualified  for  a  master's  or  doctoral  degree. To  our  graduates,  we highlighted this  pinnacle  moment  in  your  life, and  we  noted  the  vast  array  of  scholarship, the  depth  of  your  research, and  the  bold  leadership across  an  array  of  disciplines will  contribute  to breakthrough  solutions  in  society. Today,  we  collectively recognize  graduate  students  who have  qualified  for  advanced  degrees from  Princeton  University. I  remind  you  that  if  your  diploma was  conferred  by  the  trustees in  their  current  meeting, it  will  be  mailed  to  you. We  begin  with the  candidates  for  master's  degrees. Before  presenting  you  to President  Ice  Gruber  and the  trustees  for the  awarding  of  your  degrees, I  will  introduce  you  informally, grouped  by  discipline. Please  stand  in  place  if  you  are able  as  your  degree  is  named. I  ask  your  families, colleagues  and  friends  to  withhold their  applause  until  all  the  candidates in  each  group  have  been  introduced. I  would  like  to  invite  to  stand those  receiving  the  Master  of  Arts, Master  of  Fine  Arts, Master  of  Architecture,  Master  of  Finance, Master  of  Science  and  Engineering, and  Master  of  Engineering. Please  be  seated. I  now  wish  to  introduce the  candidates  for  master  in Public  Affairs  and  master in  Public  Policy  and  ask  them  to  stand. At  this  time,  all  candidates for  master's  degrees  are invited  to  stand  together. President  Eisgruber, I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  and your  fellow  trustees  the  candidates  standing candidates  duly  certified  who  have completed  the  scholastic  requirements for  the  master's  degree. Actor  Tata  Mejia  Cortor  Universitatis Pricons  Cossas  gratum  secundum  admito Please  be  seated. At  this  time,  we  recognize  those who  have  qualified  for  the  doctor's  degree. I  will  invite  you  to  stand  if  you're  able in  place  as  your  discipline  is  named. I  invite  doctorial  candidates in  the  humanities  to  stand. Please  be  seated. Will  those  receiving  the  doctoral  degree in  the  social  sciences,  please  stand. Please  be  seated. Next,  I  invite  those  in the  natural  sciences  receiving the  doctoral  degree  to  please  stand. Please  be  seated. Finally,  I  wish  to  introduce  the  candidates for  the  PhD  in engineering  and  ask  them  to  stand. Will  all  candidates  for the  doctor's  degree  please  stand? President  Nice  Gruber, I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  and your  fellow  trustees  the  candidates standing  before  you  and the  other  candidates  duly certified  who  have  completed the  scholastic  requirements  for the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Philosophy. Actor  Tata  Mejia Conistus  Printonensis  Commisso, Vosat  Grotum  Doctors  and  philosophia  Admito. The  Doctor  of  Philosophy  is the  highest  academic  degree  awarded, marking  an  original  and independent  contribution to  the  world  of  scholarship. I  am  especially  pleased  to congratulate  today's  recipients of  the  PhD  degree. It  is  a  special  pleasure  for  me  to  confer the  President's  Awards for  Distinguished  Teaching, which  honor  four  members  of the  faculty  for  a  sustained  record  of excellence  in  teaching  at both  the  undergraduate  and  graduate  levels. Dean  of  the  faculty  and  William  S.  Todd, Professor  of  English, Jean  Jarrett  will introduce  each  award  winner. Thank  you,  President  Eisgruber. I  would  like  to  introduce  each  of the  award  winners  individually. Rebecca  Carey, Assistant  Professor  of  Psychology. Whether  teaching  one  of the  psychology  department's  largest  courses, social  psychology, or  conducting  research  on  social  class  and her  adversity  in  relationships in  context  lab, Rebecca  Carey,  in her  four  years  at  Princeton, has  established  herself  as a  stellar  colleague,  educator,  and  mentor. She's  an  off  scale instructor  in  the  classroom, quote,  said  a  colleague, quote,  and  at  every  turn, she  takes  time  to  pause, think,  create,  and  modernize, which  improves  the  pedagogical  lives of  everybody  around  her, from  students  to  faculty. She's  a  pedagogical  star in  every  sense,  close  quote. In  the  letters  of  recommendation supporting  her  nomination, students  cited  her  dedication, unconditional  support, and  commitment  to  creating a  collaborative  environment. As  one  student  remarked, Beyond  her  rigorous  research, Professor  Carey's  mentorship  reflects a  commitment  to  fostering a  community  of  principled,  curious, and  agentic  young  researchers, a  commitment  I  hope  to emulate  throughout  my  academic  career. President  Eze  Gruber,  I  have the  honor  to  present  Professor  Rebecca  Carey. Gabriel  Crouch, Professor  of  the  Practice,  music. A  former  student  lauded Gabriel  Crouch's  remarkable  impact. Along  with  his  desire  to uplift  and  see  the  best  in  his  students, Gabriel  is  constantly  shaping the  university  for  the  better. He  has  single  handedly  expanded  what  is musically  and  academically  possible for  students  at  Princeton. After  the  Department  of  Music  welcomed Professor  Couch  to  Princeton  15  years  ago, his  impact  was  felt almost  immediately  across  campus. The  Glee  Club, according  to  campus  colleagues, was  transformed  into a  much  larger  group  of  students, creating  a  joyful  noise of  harmony  and  fellowship  and enriching  the  lives  of  all  who study  and  work  at  Princeton,  close  quote. His  world  class  musicianship, outstanding  teaching  abilities, and  overall  good  humor have  drawn  students  into an  outstanding  community  of musicians  that  has  grown to  include  chamber  choir, vocal  concort,  and  the  student  run  Decium. He  is,  in  the  words  of  a  colleague, a  consummate  artist,  musician, and  scholar  who  is  the best  of  the  best,  quote. President  Nez  Gruber  I  have the  honor  to  present Professor  Gabrielle  Crouch. Thank. Danel  Davenport,  Shirley  M.  Tillman, Professor  of  molecular  biology. Since  2013,  Danel  Davenport, as  an  instructor  of two  required  molecular  biology  courses, has  taught  every  molecular  biology  student who  has  advanced  through the  program  at  Princeton. In  the  words  of  her  department  chair,  quote, Her  influence  on  our  students and  the  next  generation  of  scientists, science  policymakers  and  physicians is  utterly  profound,  close  quote. In  addition  to  her  outstanding teaching  contributions, colleagues  cite  her  leadership  role  on  campus in  interactive  teaching  and student  centered  pedagogy  in  STEM, along  with  her  commitment  to mentoring  both  junior  faculty  and students  as  further  evidence  of the  excellence  she  brings to  campus  each  and  every  day. A  former  graduate  student  remarked  that, It  is  easy  to  think  of scientific  teaching  as  something restricted  to  a  classroom or  benchtop  setting. However,  good  teachers  and mentors  continue  to  teach  and mentor  even  after  their  students have  left  the  class  or  the  lab. I've  been  lucky  to  have experienced  that  with  Danellote. President  and  I's  Ger, have  the  honor  to present  Professor  Daniel  Davenport. N  Fish,  Professor  of  astrophysical  Sciences. Nathaniel  Fish,  or  Nat  to  his  colleagues, is  a  pioneer  in  plasma  physics  research, a  professor  of  astrophysical  sciences. Professor  Fish  served  as  the  Director  of the  plasma  as  director of  the  program  in  plasma  physics, one  of  the  best  in  the  nation  and the  world  for  over  30  years. He  has  introduced  and mentored  a  plethora  of  students  in  the  field of  plasma  physics  and  encouraged their  investigation  of  complex research  projects  in what  has  been  described  by  colleagues  as a  warm  and  supportive  environment where  students  enjoy  the  freedom to  become  extraordinary,  close  quote. His  former  students  are now  leaders  in  the  field  of plasma  physics  at  universities and  national  laboratories  across  the  country. As  one  of  them  noted, Nat  reminds  us  that  sustained  curiosity and  enthusiasm  are  at the  core  of  being  a  lifelong  learner, which  is  perhaps  the most  important  thing  that  can  be  learned. President  Nezeer  have  the  honor to  present  Professor  Nathaniel  Fish. Everyone,  please  join  me  in recognizing  the  contributions  of these  faculty  members  to the  vitality  of  Princeton's  teaching  mission. Members  of  the  faculty  and staff  who  retire  from  Princeton this  year  will  be  recognized  in the  full  commencement  program mailed  to  students  next  month. The  University  is  grateful  to each  of  them  for  their  contributions to  the  Princeton  community  and their  commitment  to  the  fulfillment of  the  university's  mission. Please  join  me  in  applause to  express  our  appreciation. The  University  orator,  miss  Morgan  A.  Smith, young  alumni  trustee  of  the  Class  of  2021, will  now  present  the  candidates for  honorary  degrees. President  Eisgruber,  I  have  the  honor to  present  to  you  for the  Degree  of  Doctor  of  Science, Honoris  Kaus  Joshua  Boger. A  visionary  scientist, entrepreneur  and  philanthropist, his  leadership  in  the  field of  biotechnology  has transformed  the  lives  of countless  individuals  suffering  from  chronic. From  his  early  work  with Merck  Sharp  and  Dome  research  laboratories to  his  founding  of  vertex  Pharmaceuticals, he  has  used  his  training  as a  chemist  to  develop groundbreaking  treatments  for medical  conditions  once  deemed  incurable. His  life's  work  is  a  testament  to the  transformative  power of  scientific  innovation. As  a  recognized  leader in  the  nonprofit  sector, his  unwavering  commitment  to improving  the  welfare  of  others  extends beyond  the  lab  to  his  philanthropic  work in  support  of  higher  education  and  the  arts. May  his  extraordinary  achievements and  outstanding  contributions  to humanity  continue  to  inspire the  next  generation  of  medical  innovators. President  Nizeer,  doctor  Boger. Authoritata  Mejia  Cort  Universites  Printonsis commissa  Ty  ad  Gratum  Doctors, honores  causa  admito. President  Eisgruber, I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you in  Absentia  for  the  Degree of  Doctor  of  Humane  Letters, Anores  Causa  Lex  Frieden, an  architect  of  the  Americans  with Disabilities  Act  and  a  pioneer of  the  independent  living  Movement, he  has  helped  advance the  global  movement  for  disability  rights. After  suffering  a  traumatic  injury that  left  him  paralyzed, he  was  forced  to  navigate  a  world  that  was unaccommodating  to individuals  living  with  disabilities. Undeterred  and inspired  to  overcome  these  barriers, he  dedicated  his  life  to making  the  world  more  inclusive  for  all. As  a  scholar,  educator,  and  policy  expert, he  has  worked  tirelessly to  ensure  that  everyone, regardless  of  ability,  is empowered  to  participate  fully  in  society. Recognized  by  multiple  US  presidents for  his  accomplishments, he  was  praised  by  Ronald  Reagan  for his  Lasting  impact  in helping  us  reach  our  national  goals of  freeing  disabled  Americans  from unnecessary  dependency  and  removing obstacles  to the  development  of  their  full  potential. President  Nice  Grover,  Mr. Freedom  Act  Tata  Mejia  Cort  Universitat Princtonens  commissa  at  Graum  doctors  in literis  Humanioibus  honores  causa  at  Mito. President  Eisgruber,  I  have  the  honor  to present  to  you  for the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws, Honos  Kusa  Sherrilyn  Eiffel. Leader  of  the  modern  civil  rights  movement, she  has  helped  shape  national  conversations about  social  justice  and  racial  equality. Upon  taking  the  helm  of the  NAACP  Legal  Defense and  Educational  Fund  in  2013, she  proudly  carried  forward  the  legacy  of legendary  jurist  Thurgood  Marshall, leading  the  organization  through a  transformative  period  of  unrest  and uncertainty  as  the  nation  grappled  with the  dual  crises  of  a pandemic  and  a  racial  reckoning. In  2021,  she  was  named  one  of Time  Magazine's  100  most  influential  people for  her  steadfast  defense  of  democracy. Now,  as  Founding  Director  of the  14th  Amendment  Center for  Law  and  Democracy at  Howard  University  School  of  Law, she  is  training  the  next  generation of  drum  majors  for  justice. President  Nice  Grover,  Professor  Eiffel. A  Tata  Univers  Pritonis  coms at  Gratum  doctores causa  admo President  Eisgruber, I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  for the  Degree  of  Doctor  of  Humane  Letters, Honores  Kusa,  Nancy  Weiss  Malco. A  path  breaking  historian and  higher  education  administrator, her  outstanding  leadership of  the  undergraduate  college enriched  the  lives  of generations  of  Princetonians. She  joined  the  university  at a  time  when  some  still  sought  to keep  the  damned  woman  out  and  blazed trails  as  the  first  woman  faculty  member in  the  Department  of  history. A  distinguished  scholar  of  civil  rights, race  relations,  and  higher  education, her  signature  course,  the  United  States, since  1940,  was  a  favorite  among  students. 1987,  she  became Princeton's  Dean  of  the  College, overseeing the  undergraduate  academic  experience at  the  institution  she  fondly described  as  a world  class  research  university with  the  heart  and  soul  of a  liberal  arts  college. For  a  record  breaking  24  years, she  worked  tirelessly  to  advance the  university's  highest  priorities, leaving  an  enduring  legacy of  excellence  and  service. President  zuber,  Professor  Malcum. Actor  Tata  Mejia  Cort  Universitatus, Printensis  commissa  Ty ad  Gratum  Doctors  literatus, Humani  Obus  Honores  Causa  Admito. Congratulations. President  Ice  Ruber,  I  have  the  honor  to present  to  you  for  the  degree of  Doctor  of  Science, Anas  Kusa  Daniel  Sweet. One  of  the  nation's  Great  immigrants. He  is  renowned  for  his groundbreaking  contributions to  modern  physics. His  discovery  of  the fractional  Quantum  Hall  effect revolutionized  our  thinking about  the  building  blocks  of  matter  and sparked  technological  innovations that  have  benefited  humanity. A  Nobel  Laureate  ASD, as  a  scientist  and  professor, his  Joy  of  the  search of  knowledge  has  inspired  us  all. For  28  years,  he  served  on the  Princeton  faculty  as a  dedicated  scholar,  teacher,  and  mentor. When  asked  why  he  chose  to  leave Bell  Laboratories  and  join  the  university, he  remarked,  Perhaps  it was  the  Confucius  in  me. The  faint  voice  I often  heard  when  I  was  alone, that  the  only  meaningful  life is  a  life  of  learning. What  better  way  is  there  to learn  than  through  teaching? President  Nieser,  Professor  Sweet. Otnist  Commissaogum  Doctors  Honoris  causa Hodmeo I. Congratulations. President  Eisgruber,  I  have  the  honor  to present  to  you  for  the  degree of  Doctor  of  Science, Anares  Kausa  Omar  Yagi. One  of  the  world's  most  cited  chemists, he  is  a  pioneer  in the  field  of  material  science. His  development  of  reticular  chemistry helped  advance our  understanding  of  molecular  design, redefining  how  scientists approach  complex  environmental  challenges. From  energy  storage  to  water  purification, his  discovery  set  the  foundation  for a  multitude  of  breakthroughs  in our  quest  for  a  cleaner  future. Inspired  by  his  family  struggles  with water  scarcity  during his  early  years  in  Jordan, his  latest  venture  involves harnessing  the  power  of the  sun  to  pull  moisture  from  dry  air. When  asked  what  advice  he  would give  the  next  generation  of  scientists, he  said,  Be  fearless. The  most  rewarding  discoveries  often lie  beyond  the  boundaries of  what  seems  possible. President  Nesber, Professor  Yagi  Actor  Taenirsatis Pritonensis  Crimisa  agtum  Doctorc honores  causa  admito. Congratulations. I  would  ask  all  of  our  honorary degree  recipients  to  stand  once  more, and  I  would  ask our  graduates  and  guests  to  join me  in  applauding  their outstanding  accomplishments. In  a  few  minutes, all  of  you  will  walk  out  of  this  stadium as  newly  minted  graduates  of  this  university. Before  you  do,  however, long  standing  tradition  permits the  university  president  to  offer a  few  remarks  about  the  path  that  lies  ahead. As  I  began  drafting  this  year's  speech, I  found  myself  reflecting on  what  I  recall  from  my  own  graduation, which  alas,  is  very  little. After  more  than  40  years, the  day  is  mostly  a  blur. I  do  remember  leaving  campus  with a  new  hard  shell  Samsonite  briefcase, a  gift  from  my  beloved grandmother  intended  to  mark my  transition  from backpack  toting  undergraduate to  office  going  adult. The  briefcase  would  soon  yield  again  to the  backpacks  that  I  favored for  most  of  my  professorial  career. During  that  post  summer  graduation,  though, I  proudly  carried  my  books and  papers  in  the  briefcase, feeling  suitably professional  and  accomplished. One  of  the  books  I  was  reading at  the  time  on  the  recommendation  of a  Princeton  mentor  was Alexis  De  Tooqueville'  Democracy  in  America. The  book,  but  not  the  briefcase, accompanied  me  to  England where  I  began  my  graduate  studies. Living  outside  the  United  States for  the  first  time  since  my  childhood, I  marveled  at  the  19th  century Frenchman's  ability  to make  perceptive  and  durable  observations about  a  culture  different  from  his  own. Toqueville  admired  some  of  what  he  saw during  his  visits  to  America  in  the  1830s, but  he  was  deeply  skeptical about  the  country's  ability  to  produce humanistic  and  scientific  achievements of  the  kind  that  distinguish  this  university. For  example,  he  reported that  there  is  almost  no  one in  the  United  States who  gives  himself  over  to the  essentially  theoretical  and abstract  portion  of  human  knowledge. He  opined  that  the  United  States  still does  not  have  a  literature  properly  speaking, and  he  predicted  a  future dominated  by  books  that could  be  procured  without trouble  and  quickly  read. Toqueville,  despite all  his  truly  magnificent  traits, did  not  anticipate  the  rise  of universities  like  the  one from  which  you  graduate  today. He  did  note  that  Americans  had  a  very  high, and  I'm  quoting  him  here, an  often  much  exaggerated  idea  of human  reason  and  were  prone  to conclude  that  everything  in the  world  is  explicable and  that  nothing  exceeds the  bounds  of  intelligence,  unquote. Toqueville  also  observed that  Americans  constantly  unite, forming  organizations  and  associations to  give  feets,  found  seminaries, build  ins,  raise  churches, distribute  books,  and  create hospitals,  prisons,  or  schools. If  Toqueville  had  put together  these  observations  about Americans  zealous  faith  in  reason and  their  incessant  associative  activity, he  might  perhaps  have predicted  the  network  of research  universities  that  we  know  today. Be  that  as  it  may, America's  colleges  and  universities have  changed  the  country  for  the  better. The  nation  that  Toqueville  thought  ill suited  to  the  theoretical and  abstract  portion  of human  knowledge  has  become  a  magnet  for the  world's  leading  mathematicians and  scientists. The  country  that  Toqueville thought  might  never  produce a  literature  of  its  own  cultivates brilliant  writers  and  critics, not  only  at  this  university, but  at  many  others,  including, for  example,  at  the  famous University  of  Iowa  writers  workshop. Toqueville  wrote  that  there  is no  country  in  the  civilized  world  where people  are  less  occupied  with philosophy  than  the  United  States. But  New  Jersey  by  itself  boasts  two  of the  world's  greatest  philosophy  departments at  Princeton  and  Rutgers. Yet,  if  Toqueville  did  not foresee  the  rise  of  America's  universities, his  observations  about  democratic  sentiments should  alert  us  to a  persistent  tension  between our  scholarly  institutions  and the  broader  society  upon  which  they  depend. The  creativity  that  universities cultivate  the idiosyncrasies  that  we  tolerate, and  the  speculative  or esoteric  research  that  we  cherish. All  of  these  can  put  universities  at odds  with  the  more  pragmatic  culture  around us  and  thereby  jeopardize the  academic  freedom  on  which our  institutions  vitally  depend. Tensions  between  the  academic, between  the  academy,  public  opinion, and  government  policy  have  ebbed and  flowed  over  the  course of  American  history. They  are  now  at  an  unprecedented  high  point. In  this  tender  and  pivotal  moment, we  must  stand  boldly for  the  freedoms  and  principles that  define  this  and other  great  universities. We  must  also  at  the  same  time, find  ways  to  listen  to  thoughtful  critics  and steward  our  relationship  with the  broader  society  upon  which  we  depend. Universities  risk  losing  public  support if  they  deviate  from  their  core  mission  of teaching  and  research  or if  they  appear  to  become  organs  of partisan  advocacy  rather  than  in partial  forums  for  the  pursuit  of truth  and  the  dissemination  of  knowledge. I  People  sometimes  make this  point  by  recommending  that  universities adopt  a  posture  of  institutional  neutrality, a  concept  that  they take  from  a  report  issued  in 1967  by  the  Calvin  Committee at  the  University  of  Chicago. Though  I  agree  with much  that  is  said  in  the  Calvin  report, I  have  never  liked the  language  of  neutrality, partly  because  neutral  has  multiple  meanings. Neutral  can  mean  impartial, which  is  a  more  precise  way  to capture  what  the  Calvin Committee  had  in  mind. Another  meaning  of  neutral,  however, is  lacking  distinguishing quality  or  characteristics. Synonyms  for  neutral  include  innocuous, unoctionable,  harmless,  bland,  and  colorless. Some  current  day  proponents  of the  neutrality  standards  seem  to relish  the  term's  double  meaning. They  want  university  faculties  and students  to  produce  useful  inventions, illuminate  poetic  beauty,  and study  the  virtues  of  successful  leaders. But  they  appear  to  become uneasy  when,  for  example, scholars  expose  and  analyze  the  role  of  race, sexuality,  or prejudice  in  society  and  politics. The  actual  Calvin  Committee was  under  no  such  illusion. It  described  universities  this  way. A  university  faithful  to its  mission  will  provide enduring  challenges  to  social  values, policies,  practices, and  institutions  by  design  and  Diversity creates  discontent with  the  existing  social  arrangements and  proposes  new  ones. In  brief,  a  good  university  like Socrates  will  be  upsetting.  Light? What? Like  Socrates,  the  reference  is telling  as  the  Calvin  Committee certainly  knew  Socrates  was  so  upsetting, so  colorful,  so  provocative, so  decidedly  not  neutral, that  the  Athenians  sentenced  him  to  death for  disrespecting  their  most  sacred  beliefs. Universities  might  be  less  vulnerable  to criticism  and  attack  if  they  were  bland, innocuous,  and  neutral, but  then  they  would  not  be  true  universities. Whoo. I  Great  universities  must have  a  socratic  spirit. We  aim  to  encourage and  elevate  what  Toqueville depicted  as  the  sometimes  irritating tendency  of  Americans  and democratic  citizens  more  generally, to  believe  that  human intelligence  can  explain, critique,  and  improve  the  world. At  the  heart  of  Princeton's undergraduate  and  graduate  degree  programs is  a  commitment  to inculcate  a  fierce  independence  of  mind. We  want  you  to  have  the  skill  and the  courage  to  ask  questions  that are  unsettling  and  uncomfortable to  the  world  and  indeed  to  you. I  hope  you  have  embraced this  independence  during  your  time here  and  that  you  have  also learned  how  to  speak  up  for  what  you  believe, even  when  it  may  be  uncomfortable  to  do  so. I  hope,  too,  that these  habits  will  stay  with  you as  you  venture  forth  into a  world  that  needs  your  creativity, your  learning,  and  your  valor. The  paths  that  you  follow  from this  stadium  today  lead into  a  world  more  fraught, turbulent,  and  uncertain  than  the  one  that  I entered  with  my  brand  new briefcase  four  decades  ago. Yet,  whether  you  depart  carrying backpacks  or briefcases  or  neither  of  the  two, you  should  know,  as  my  classmates  and  I  did, that  you  will  always  be welcome  back  on  this  campus. Indeed,  all  of  us  on this  platform  hope  that  you  will return  often  to  Old  Nassau. We  will  greet  you  then  as  we  cheer  you  today, wishing  you  every  success  as Princeton  University's  great  Class  of  2025. Congratulations. At  the. At  the  conclusion  at the  conclusion  of  the  benediction, and  after  the  singing  of  Old  Nassau, guests  are  requested  to  remain  in their  places  until  the  platform  party has  left  the  stadium. The  benediction  will  be pronounced  by  Dean  Longsdorf. Please  rise  as  you  are able  in  body  of  spirit. For  a  final  word  of  blessing. Sacred  Spirit, may  every  student  clad  in  robe,  gown, and  tassel  take  one  last  slow  moment to  gather  up  the  memories, the  knowledge,  the  friendships,  mentors, and  experiences  they  have collected  amidst  these  ivy  pathways. Drop  each  one  into a  bucket  and  abundantly  fill  the  well of  your  soul  with  resources  you  can dip  into  for  nourishment  again  and  again. All  gathered  here,  faculty, staff,  family,  and  friends,  together, we  bestow  a  final  moment of  blessing  on  you,  Princeton  graduates. May  your  homes  be  blessed  with  creativity. May  your  work  be  blessed  with  meaning? May  your  relationships be  blessed  with  wholeness, May  your  experiences  be  blessed  with  wisdom? May  your  spirits  be  blessed  with  vibrancy, May  your  actions  be  blessed  with  compassion? May  each  dawn  be  a  wellspring  of  renewal, and  may  each  dusk bring  a  calm  pool  of  contentment. Beloveds,  feel  our  blessings and  push  out  from  this  harbor, knowing  you  are  buoyed  always  by the  connections  you  have made  in  this  hallowed  place. May  I.  Amen. I  to  every  heart  and  every  voice Every  care  withdraw  that with  one  accord  rejoice  In praises  In  praise  of  Oness  always  sing Hurrah  Hurrah  O Sweet  O.