Gray skies and a light sprinkle couldn't dampen the enthusiasm as 5,858 graduates made their way to Franklin Field for Penn's 256th Commencement on May 14.
University Chaplain Charles L. Howard urged the Class of 2012 to offer thanks to their parents and other loved ones and to the faculty, staff and administration that helped them achieve their goals. In prayer, Howard congratulated the students for their academic excellence and praised them for their strengths and their power of commitment.
President Amy Gutmann called the graduates an exceptional class that "does nothing by half measures," and cited four individuals whose perseverance and service illustrated their drive.
Photos by Steve Minicola & Scott Spitzer, University Communications