"CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Katie Couric served as keynote speaker for the Class Day ceremony Monday, June 1, on Cannon Green. "When Princeton called to invite me I was thrilled," she said. "It also gave me a perfect excuse for turning down Harvard and Yale -- my safety schools!" The graduating seniors saluted Couric by making her an honorary member of the class.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

During her keynote address at Princeton's Class Day, "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Katie Couric told students: "Take some chances. Get out of your comfort zone, even if that's extremely uncomfortable. Make some noise. Be a rabble-rouser."

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

"CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Katie Couric served as keynote speaker for the Class Day ceremony Monday, June 1, on Cannon Green. "When Princeton called to invite me I was thrilled," she said. "It also gave me a perfect excuse for turning down Harvard and Yale -- my safety schools!" The graduating seniors saluted Couric by making her an honorary member of the class.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

Senior Class President Grant Bermann talked about the great accomplishments of his classmates, and threw in a little self-deprecating humor, admitting he hadn't yet found a date through an online service. Much to the amusement of President Shirley M. Tilghman and Katie Couric, he asked Tilghman if she might be interested. He also was one of the students receiving awards at Class Day. Bermann, who was class president for all four of his undergraduate years, was presented with the W. Sanderson Detwiler 1903 Prize for his work on behalf of his class.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

Senior Class President Grant Bermann talked about the great accomplishments of his classmates, and threw in a little self-deprecating humor, admitting he hadn't yet found a date through an online service. Much to the amusement of President Shirley M. Tilghman and Katie Couric, he asked Tilghman if she might be interested. He also was one of the students receiving awards at Class Day. Bermann, who was class president for all four of his undergraduate years, was presented with the W. Sanderson Detwiler 1903 Prize for his work on behalf of his class.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhte (2009)

Senior Jason Gilbert, who delivered one of the student addresses, complained about the grade of the toilet paper on campus, but also reminisced about the good friends he made at Princeton.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

Even the seniors' sunglasses proclaimed their loyalty to the class of 2009.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

From left, seniors Michael Monagle, Grant Bermann and Davionshante Chism help Katie Couric don the class jacket they presented her as an honorary member of the class of 2009.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

Katie Couric shows off the class jacket she received as an honorary member of the class of 2009.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2009)

Family members sought out their loved ones.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

Senior Benjamin Tagoe shows off the symbolic "key to the campus" presented to him by President Shirley M. Tilghman.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

Senior Jackie Bello focused her remarks on some of her favorite memories of Princeton, which ranged from the the 2006 bonfire and Bent Spoon cupcakes to academic trips to Greece and Spain.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

Humorous addresses kept the students in smiles throughout the event.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

In addition to Couric, honorary class members included Claretta Carter (right), a retail food service worker in University Dining Services. Carter, who works at the convenience store in the Frist Campus Center, was recognized by senior Erin Mesdag for the warm way in which she greets students.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

Following the ceremony, a group paused for some togetherness.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2009)

Robert McDuff holds his new child as he receives the hood for his Ph.D. in economics from Chief Marshal Douglas Clark during the Graduate School's Hooding ceremony Monday, June 1. His wife, Susan Robison McDuff, also received a hood for her Ph.D. in psychology.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Frank Wojciechowski (2009)