Campus was bursting with spring color and jubilant celebration as Brandeis held its 72nd Commencement exercises for more than 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students May 21.

In re-designed Commencement celebrations, immunologist Drew Weissman ’81, GSAS MA’81, P’15, keynoted the undergraduate ceremony in the morning, while Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed addressed graduate students in an afternoon ceremony.

"Progress does not happen in isolation. Scientific discovery and human progress is a shared endeavor that thrives on the exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and interdisciplinary collaboration," Weissman said. "Embrace the power of collaboration and diversity, for it is through these connections that we spark innovation and drive transformative changes. It is critical, as scientists and citizens, to ensure we are a force for good."

Gordon-Reed told the graduates that in the face of anti-intellectualism, their work was more important than ever. “Disregard all disparagement of what you have committed yourself to over the past several years,” she said. “ … Keep in touch with the spirit that kept you going and, I’m sure, brought you great joy as you mastered your field of endeavor. In sum: Keep the faith.”

Full Coverage of Commencement 2023