The big 5-0-0

The University celebrates a milestone convocation—and plans for pomp and circumstance on a grander scale.

Student marshals lead the procession from Ida Noyes to Rockefeller at the 500th convocation.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Dan Dry

The Class of 1902 poses with its class flag at the 42nd convocation.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography courtesy Special Collections Research Center

The 500th convocation procession continues into Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Dan Dry

Newspaper artist Frank Holme’s undated sketch of a Chicago convocation illustrated the cover of a booklet marking the 500th.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography courtesy of Special Collections Research Center

University President William Rainey Harper speaks at the 46th convocation (1903) as U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who laid the cornerstone of Stuart Hall and received an honorary degree, sits at left.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Special Collections Research Center

Graduates cheer at the June 2007 convocation.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Dan Dry

President Bill Clinton speaks at the 456th convocation in 1999.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Special Collections Research Center

A graduate poses for photographs (undated).

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Special Collections Research Center

The 18th convocation in 1897.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Special Collections Research Center

Student carry flags in this undated photograph.

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By Amy Braverman Puma
Photography by Special Collections Research Center


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