Commencement 2008
Photo: President Bush and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate Gabrielle Glenn, from Florence, S.C., blow kisses during graduation ceremony, Wednesday, May 28, 2008, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Paul McCartney & Dr. Ruth Westheimer<br>Yale
Sir Paul McCartney, left, poses with Dr. Ruth Westheimer when the two met during a procession to Yale University Commencement ceremonies in New Haven, Conn., Monday, May 26, 2008. McCartney was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree.Sen. Barack Obama<br>Wesleyan University
Excerpt: "We may disagree as Americans on certain issues and positions, but I believe we can be unified in service to a greater good."Photo: Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during commencement at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., Sunday, May 25, 2008, where he filled in for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.
Robert Redford<br>Brown University
Actor Robert Redford tips his hat to the graduating class of 2008 during a speech at Brown University, Sunday, May 25, 2008, in Providence, R.I. Redford received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the ceremony.VP Dick Cheney<br>U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Excerpt: "From this day forward, you will be America's lifesavers and guardians of the seas."Photo: Graduating senior Cadet Soren Jacob Rose of Summit, N.J., presents Vice President Dick Cheney with a ceremonial sword at the end of commencement ceremonies at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 21, 2008.
David McCullough<br>Boston College
Excerpt: McCullough implored graduates to cure the "verbal virus that seems increasingly rampant among your generation," saying he was particularly troubled by the use of words such as "like, awesome and actually."Photo: Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough during Boston College commencement exercises, Monday, May 19, 2008, in Boston.
Michael Bloomberg<br>University of Pennsylvania
Excerpt: " ... break the death grip that partisanship has on Washington."Photo: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivers the commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Monday, May 19, 2008.
Robert Reich<br>Calif. State University-Fullerton
Robert Reich, left, former labor secretary arrives to deliver the commencement address at California State University-Fullerton, with University President, Dr. Milton A. Gordon on Sunday, May 18, 2008. Reich spoke before an audience of more than 35,000. (AP Photo/Kelly Lacefield)Martin Sheen<br>Notre Dame
Excerpt: "While acting is what I do for a living, activism is what I do to stay alive."Photo: Actor Martin Sheen, right, poses with Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, after Sheen was presented the Laetare Medal, the University's highest honor, Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Notre Dame's commencement in South Bend, Ind.
Carville & Matalin<br>Tulane University
Excerpt: "The maxim, 'If we build it, they will come,' has now changed. It is now, we will come, and we will build," Carville said.Photo: Political commentators and husband and wife James Carville, left, and Mary Matalin, right, take part in commencement ceremonies for Tulane University in New Orleans, Saturday, May 17, 2008.
Barbara Morgan<br>Boise State University
Excerpt: "You deserve this day and the world deserves you."Photo: Astronaut Barbara Morgan is recognized after being presented with an honorary doctorate from Boise State University during the commencement ceremony, Saturday, May, 17, 2008, at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. Morgan flew aboard the space shuttle Endeavor last August as part of an educator-astronaut mission.
Bianca Jagger<br>Simmons College
Excerpt: " ... help sustain life on earth, with all its beauty and diversity, and to speak up for peace and justice between the world's peoples and countries."Photo: Human rights advocate Bianca Jagger delivers the commencement address to Simmons College graduates, Saturday, May 17, 2008, in Boston.
George H.W. Bush<br>Bryant University
Excerpt: "Seeing all of you ... only reaffirms my optimism in my country's future."Photo: Former President George H.W. Bush delivers the commencement speech after accepting an honorary degree from Bryant University during graduation ceremonies in Smithfield, R.I., Saturday, May 17, 2008.