2009 Commencement in pictures

More than 850 alumni, friends, and family returned to campus for the 130th Alumni Reunion Weekend, May 27-31, 2009. The Alumni Gallery has more photos.

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D.C. Posse students Kai Hill and Ebony Jacobs (both '09) reunite with L.A. Posse graduate Dani Zamora '08 for a quick photo opp before lining up for the processional.

Professor of German and College Marshal Sig Barber rings the College Bell prior to the ceremony.

College Marshall Sig Barber and Honorary Marshal Susan Ward Fisher '59 lead the procession of faculty.

Marshals of the Procession Evelyn Freeman and Henry Walker lead seniors to the ceremony.

A range of emotions are visible on the faces of the soon-to-be graduates.

Commencement speaker Thomas L. Friedman, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist, told the graduates, "Yes, your country needs you now."

An attentive audience of seniors, families, faculty, staff, and others listen as New York Times columnist Friedman addresses the graduates. He dubbed the soon-to-be alumni the "Re-generation."

Friedman received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Grinnell for his work as a journalist, author, and commentator on public affairs.

1972 graduate Jodie Levin-Epstein received an honorary doctor of laws degree for her lifelong career to improve employment conditions for low-income workers and as an advocate for youth.

John Schwaller '69, president of the State University of New York-Potsdam, received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree and was one of three Schwaller family members recognized. Son Will was a member of the graduating class, and spouse Anne Taylor Schwaller '71 was conferred her degree after having missed her own Grinnell graduation due to family commitments.

1972 graduate Greg Thielmann was recognized with an honorary doctor of laws degree for his 30-plus years of service in implementing foreign policy and researching national security, arms control, and intelligence issues.

Friedman termed the class of 2009 "The Re-Generation" and called on them "to rejuvenate, renew, and refresh America."

Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Paula Smith celebrated her first Commencement as a member of the platform party, after more than 20 years on the Grinnell faculty.

Friedman called the liberal arts degree "the fountain of imagination." "Imagination," he said, "is the single most important characteristic to have today .... Your degree is valuable. Your country needs you. Your imagination was sharpened here. You are prepared to be the Re-Generation."

Theatre major Noga Ashkenazi '09 of Tel Aviv, Israel, was one of two graduates to receive the Archibald Prize for Highest Scholarship.

Henry Reich '09, a physics and mathematics double major from Mahtomedi, Minn., was one of two co-recipients of the Archibald Prize for the highest grade point average.

Brian Perbix '09 accepts congratulations from President Russell K. Osgood on winning the President's Medal, given to the senior who best exemplifies the ideal Grinnell student. Perbix is a biology major from Cincinnati, Ohio.