In a sea of flags, cowbells and foam noodles, each school brought its own unique personality to the commencement ceremony for the class of 2013 at Yankee Stadium. The crowd cheered during the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music’s music video of Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” and song performances from the Steinhardt singers and the Tisch Reality Show showcased the talent of the graduating class. Family, friends, faculty and graduates hollered and clapped as each school received its degrees. Edith Windsor and keynote speaker David Boies — leading figures in two pending Supreme Court cases regarding laws about gay marriage, human rights and equality — received honorary awards from the university. Boies, NYU President John Sexton and Steinhardt graduate Chelsea Garbell reminded students to recognize life as being comprised of many everyday experiences and moments that combine to mold who we are.

For full coverage of the All-University commencement, check out our live blog of the event.