With the Washington Square Park renovation still not underway, New York University was able to hold its 175th commencement in the park on Thursday morning, instead of in Shea or Yankee Stadium. With the debate over whether or not to center the fountain on the arch momentarily put aside, graduates were able to partake in the traditional post-commencement plunge.
Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, who received an honorary degree, gave the keynote speech and performed, below. Other honorees included Baltasar Garzon Real, a top Spanish judge on terrorism cases and former fellow at N.Y.U.’s Center for Law and Security; Phillipe de Montebello, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s director; and Mamphela Aletta Ramphele, an anti-apartheid activist and former World Bank managing director. Opposite page, top: A police officer atop Bobst Library scanned the area for anything suspicious. One building over, two police sharpshooters with rifles were posted on a balcony of the Kimmel Center. Opposite page, lower left: A graduate of the Dental School. Large video screens were set up around the park’s outer reaches so that everyone could see the action from the stage.
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