President Shirley M. Tilghman welcomed the class members to their new status as alumni, giving a symbolic "key to the campus" to alumni class president Alana Arnold.

Photo: Brian Wilson (2008)

During June 2 Class Day festivities, Princeton's class of 2008 presented keynote speaker Stephen Colbert, the host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," with "The Understandable Vanity Award." The trophy consisted of a drawing of the comedian giving the thumbs-up sign in front of Nassau Hall -- and a mirror. "I've never seen anything more beautiful," Colbert raved as he gazed at his image.

Photo: Brian Wilson (2008)

Senior Mark Bur, who gave one of the student addresses at Class Day, summed up the last four years by telling the members of his class: "We did it. We went to Princeton."

Photo: Brian Wilson (2008)

Following his address, Stephen Colbert was made an honorary member of the class of 2008 and received a plaque and class jacket.

Photo: Brian Wilson (2008)

Family members snapped pictures of their loved ones.

Photo: John Jameson (2008)

One senior reached high to connect with her family in the seats.

Photo: John Jameson (2008)

Many students sported black and orange sunglasses provided to them at the beginning of the event.

Photo: John Jameson (2008)

Humorous addresses kept the audience in smiles throughout the event.

Photo: John Jameson (2008)

Several awards were presented to students during the ceremony, including the Priscilla Glickman '92 Memorial Prize for "independence and imagination in the area of service" to, from left, Joshua Loehrer and Jessica Gheiler by Marjorie Young, director of Community House, and David Brown, director of the Student Volunteers Council.

Photo: John Jameson (2008)

Later on Monday, advanced degree candidates participated in the hooding ceremony at McCarter Theatre.

Photo: Brian Wilson (2008)