Calling for more respectful debate and discussion in today's "increasingly polarized world," Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman addresses the crowd of 7,500 assembled on the front lawn of Nassau Hall for the University's 263rd Commencement. The University awarded degrees to 1,166 undergraduates in the class of 2010, nine from other classes and 804 graduate students.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Students celebrate after officially being designated as graduates at the ceremony, with some tossing their caps into the air.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Valedictorian David Karp, a mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Berwyn, Pa., and salutatorian Marguerite Colson, a history major from New York City, review their speeches in Nassau Hall before the ceremony.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

The outstanding New Jersey secondary school teachers recognized during the ceremony, pictured here with John Webb (left), director of Princeton's Program in Teacher Preparation, which administers the awards, and President Shirley M. Tilghman (right), were (from second from left): Hans Toft, Cape May County Technical High School, Cape May Court House; Roy Chambers, Westfield High School, Westfield; Argine Safari, Pascack Valley High School, Hillsdale; and Gregory Devine, Delbarton School, Morristown.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Faculty members recognized with President's Awards for Distinguished Teaching by President Shirley M. Tilghman (right) were (from left): P. Adams Sitney, Jeffrey Stout, Erhan Çinlar and Arcadio Díaz-Quiñones.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Honorary degree recipients pictured with President Shirley M. Tilghman (fourth from left) were: (from left): Olufunmilayo Olopade, Drew Gilpin Faust, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Edward Taylor and Albie Sachs.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

A group of classmates stands arm in arm as President Shirley M. Tilghman officially confers their degrees in Latin.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Danny Scotton and Alima Kamara share memories as they prepare for the 2010 Commencement procession to begin.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2010)

Two students add flair to their Commencement regalia with personalized mortarboards.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2010)

A student celebrates her culture by adorning her gown with traditional flower leis.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Zach Zimmerman gets a hug from Halcyon Person moments after the pair became Princeton alumni.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

One student keeps her family in mind during Commencement.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

Emily Sandys, who received a bachelor of arts degree in politics, looks over her diploma with her parents, Barbara and Peter, at Mathey College.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite (2010)

This graduate captures his own moment of celebration as he and his classmates exit FitzRandolph Gates after the ceremony.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2010)

Graduate students memorialize their friendship by posing with family members before the bell tolls to begin the Commencement procession.

Photo: Princeton University, Office of Communications, Brian Wilson (2010)