On Friday, June 21, more than 11,000 people celebrated the 2019 graduates at Ryan Field.
Historian and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch delivered the commencement address, encouraging the graduates to “find your own good fight.” Bunch emphasized the transformative power of education and the importance of finding “a greater good that transcends individual gain or personal achievement.”
Six people, including Bunch, received honorary degrees. Bunch received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. High school teachers were also honored with the ninth annual Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Award. Five high school teachers were nominated by the graduating senior class for inspiring them before arriving at Northwestern.
University President Morton Schapiro also recognized Vice President for Student Affairs Particia Telles-Irvin, who passed away June 3 after a long battle with cancer.
View the highlights from the 161st Commencement Ceremony: