Class Day at university is prelude to today’s Commencement
By: Nick Norlen
A sea of orange sat on Cannon Green on Monday, as members of Princeton’s class of 2007 celebrated one of their last days on campus as students.
As always on the day before Commencement, graduating students and their families many wearing ponchos bearing the school’s trademark orange color celebrated Class Day in the on-and-off rain Monday morning.
Representing 47 states and 40 countries, they heard speeches by school officials, students and honorees, including the keynote speaker, actor Bradley Whitford, best known for his role as Deputy White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman on NBC’s "The West Wing."
"Today you celebrate the ties that bind you together as a class," said University President Shirley Tilghman. "You share the same last name: ’07."
Senior Class President Jim Williamson said the four years he and his classmates spent at Princeton were "characterized by complex Searches," adding, "We tried to find our place on this campus."
Senior Class Officer Jennifer Mickel said they found it.
"We will keep this place in our hearts and reunions on our calendars for the rest of our lives," she said.
Before holding up a large orange sign with black lettering that read "Thanks Mom," Mr. Williamson reminded his classmates to thank those who helped them along the way.
Later, Mr. Williamson introduced one such person former Dean of Admission Fred Hargadon, who retired in 2003, the graduates’ freshman year.
"I’m really glad that all of you are graduating," he said. "My credibility has been at stake for four years."
Mr. Hargadon was named honorary class member, along with Rockefeller and Mathey dining hall manger Charlie Wilder, and Mr. Whitford.
In his keynote address, Mr. Whitford warned against the ill effects and intentions of the medium he is most familiar with television.
"TV has inverted our aspirations," he said, noting his belief that only political candidates who are "good on TV" to succeed.
"Beware of show business. Stories can be manipulating," he said. "Take it from someone who seems like they used to work in the White House."
He said, "We need you. We need your bright Princeton minds illuminated."
One of those bright minds, senior Scott Wolman, delivered the first of two student addresses. He asked, "What’s next? College is over now, and the real world is scary."
"The real world is nothing like Princeton," Mr. Wolman said. "Out there, nobody wears orange, Friday is actually a weekday, and Bradley Whitford never drops by to give you friendly advice. Although that would be a good idea for a sitcom," he said, drawing laughter and applause as he turned to Mr. Whitford with a copy of a script.
"What’s next? Who cares," Mr. Wolman said. "Bring it on, real world."

