Sights and speeches from Commencement Convocation 2009
| 22 May 2009
An upbeat keynote speaker Chris Gardner recalled his days as a homeless man sleeping on the Berkeley campus as he encouraged graduating seniors to keep pursuing happiness. Gardner, now an entrepreneur and philanthropist, said dire predictions that "the sky is falling" just don't recognize that it's really "pennies from heaven." (Steve McConnell/UC Berkeley photos)
Making a statement is part of every graduate's dream; these grads let their caps convey the message as they posed for a photo op at the Greek Theatre.
A sunny afternoon, a long holiday weekend just around the corner, and a degree from UC Berkeley in hand — what's not to smile about?
Emma Shaw Crane, the 2009 University Medalist, called on her fellow graduates not to settle for comfort and privilege, but to call out the injustices around them and work to make the world and the neighborhood a better place. (Read more about Shaw Crane and the medal finalists)