Because the Global Liberal Studies class of 2013 is the second class of students to have been in the program since their freshman year, the ceremony was understandably understated. Even so, the energy in the Grand Hall was undeniable as dean Fred Schwarzbach spoke of how quickly and the young program had come to fruition. NYU President John Sexton spoke of how global communities were being brought together, both in New York City and in NYU’s global locations such as Madrid, Buenos Aires and Shanghai where these students had spent so much of their time. Sexton also jokingly lamented that despite the small group of graduates, so many of them were unable to receive one of his trademark hugs until this very day. Valedictorian William Layden stressed how important it was to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and see risks as opportunities to excel.