Media Credit: Brittany Binler/DP Senior Photographer James Baker speaks to students at Penn's 251st Commencement last week. The former secretary of state and coauthor of the influential Iraq Study Group report appeared before a crowd of over 6,000 new alumni and their parents, family and friends at Franklin Field. Baker called on graduates to be leaders in their respective fields. [Click to enlarge]

Draping red and blue banners soared alongside a larger-than-life toothbrush, congratulatory balloons and, of course, students' spirits at Penn's Commencement ceremonies - held on what University President Amy Gutmann repeatedly called "a perfect day."

The ceremonies, which mark the 251st in Penn's history, took place in Franklin Field on the morning of May 14.

Amid the circumstance and recognition of the graduates, former U.S. cabinet member James Baker, who co-authored the bipartisan Iraq Study Group Report on the war in Iraq and served as secretary of state under President George H.W. Bush, addressed the College Class of 2007 on a topic that he called particularly appropriate given current events: civic leadership.

Recalling the experiences of figures such as Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and the first President Bush, Baker attempted to impart to graduating students the importance of "knowing what to do, and then doing it."

"History will judge you, the Class of 2007, based on your leadership," he said. "In fact, it will judge all of us based on our leadership."

Gutmann's address to the class followed a similar vein, as she urged this year's graduates to work toward leadership - specifically noting the importance of the environment and sustainable development.

In addition to praising students for their already-achieved success in these fields, and lauding Penn for its own work in purchasing wind-power and cutting energy consumption, Gutmann spoke to graduates about their duty to protect the planet for future generations.

Her focus on respect for the environment as well as toward humanity invoked an especially enthusiastic response from the bleachers, especially because she tied it in with the presence of singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin, who in addition to recording the popular song "Respect," received an honorary music degree from Penn.

Fellow honorary degree recipients included Baker; Psychiatry professor emeritus Aaron Beck; Caroline Bynum, a European medieval history professor at the Institute for Advanced Study; Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor Mildred Dresselhaus; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Graduates said they found the ceremony surprisingly fun, and that nothing in particular had upset or offended them in the speech by Baker, who had been a controversial choice due to alleged clashes with pro-Israel groups and alleged anti-Semitic remarks.

"Actually, it was much better than I thought," said graduating College senior Dylan Bordonaro, who called the experience on the whole very exciting.

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