Stanford University 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Introduction

• Welcome to the 133rd Stanford commencement ceremony.
• Acknowledgement of Stanford's location on ancestral land of the Ohlone tribe.

Land Acknowledgement & Invocation

• Delivered by Melissa Idman, a Euro tribal member and California Indian.
• Emphasized Stanford's relationship with Native peoples.
• Invocation focused on gratitude, community, and hope.

Opening Remarks

• Address by Dean Steinwart.
• Recognition of graduates' achievements and the support from families and staff.
• Acknowledgment of the diverse origins of the graduating class.

Presentation of University Awards

• Introduction by Provost Jenny Martinez.
• President’s Award for Advancement of the Common Good: Fred Swanner MBA '04 and Jose Padia '74.
• Walter J. Gores Awards for Excellence in Teaching: Kemi Anikole, Amir Bamman, Steve Luby.
• Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Awards for Contributions to Undergraduate Education: Ria Ccano, Alejandro Martinez, Selain Rodriguez, Has Shou Yen.
• Kenneth M. Cuthbertson Award: Megan W. Pierson.

Address by President Salor

• Reflection on the challenging year and graduates' perseverance.
• Encouragement for graduates to use their education for the common good.
• Importance of gratitude and optimism for social cohesion.

Keynote Speech by Melinda French Gates

• Focus on transitions and open-heartedness.
• Encouraged graduates to remain adaptable and open to change.
• Shared personal experiences and insights about philanthropy and leadership.
• Stressed building a web of deserved trust within communities.

Conferral of Degrees

• Conducted by President Salor and various deans.
• Degrees awarded to graduates from different schools including:
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Law
  • Graduate School of Education
  • School of Humanities and Sciences
  • School of Sustainability
  • Graduate School of Business
  • School of Medicine
  • Undergraduate Degrees

Closing Remarks

• Emphasis on lifelong learning and societal contribution.
• Encouragement for graduates to use their skills to improve the world.

Conclusion

• Stanford Hymn and Benediction.
• Ceremony concluded with a call to action for graduates to embrace their future roles in society.