Tuesday, May 20
11 a.m.
NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
566 LaGuardia Place
58 bachelor degree graduates 

Despite the small number of graduates, the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts buzzed with excitement for Global Liberal Studies’ commencement ceremony. Family and friends were welcomed by dean Fred Schwarzbach, who introduced keynote speaker Linda Mills, vice chancellor for Global Programs and University Life. Mills called the graduates “a new form of global leader, with the capacity to do it all, have a global mindset and become a 21st century diplomat.” Mills encouraged graduates to go forth in the world and use their skills to convert conflicts into peace. Valedictorian Michael Maisel said GLS is a degree in international storytelling, and he asked his classmates to always remember that universal truths exist despite cultural differences. In the presentation of the candidates, each graduate was given a personalized stole, embroidered with the flags of the countries in which they studied during their time at NYU.

Bryna Shuman is features editor. Email her at [email protected].