Commencement

The university-wide graduation ceremony, held in mid-June in Stanford Stadium, is followed by smaller ceremonies for individual departments. Recent Commencement speakers have included Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Alejandro Toledo, President of Peru, Carleton S. (Carly) Fiorina, chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard, and poet Robert Pinsky.

A highlight of Commencement is the "wacky walk" that precedes the university-wide ceremony. Graduating seniors storm the stadium in costumes, and their antics, often humorous and creative, have become part of the Commencement tradition.

Related Information:

Commencement Website

Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo is humbled by the applause he received from the crowd gathered in Stanford Staium for the university’s 112th Commencement. Photo: L.A. Cicero

Graduates Tim Holme and Sean Odlum paraded around the stadium during the wacky walk with a sign to thank their parents. Photo: L.A. Cicero