Princeton University Podcasts

The Hooding ceremony for advanced degree candidates was held at 5 p.m. Monday, June 1, in McCarter Theatre. Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman and Graduate School Dean William Russel presided.

The Class Day ceremony for seniors took place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, on Cannon Green. The program included the awarding of various prizes to classmates, student speeches, honorary class member inductions, a review of the class history, and remarks by President Shirley M. Tilghman. *Note* Katie Couric's keynote address is not featured in this podcast.

The Baccalaureate service took place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31, in the University Chapel. The speaker was U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, a Princeton graduate alumnus and commander of the U.S. Central Command.

Thomas C. Rogerson, Managing Director, Family Wealth, BNY Wealth Management, presented an inspiring and informative session to Princeton alumni on how families with significant means can ensure that personal wealth is transferred where and how they choose. Held on May 30, 2009 at the Frist Campus Center.

A Roundtable discussion with Cornel West '80, Eddie Glaude '79, Anne-Marie Slaughter '80, Julian Zelizer, and Farah Jasmine Griffin. Sponsored by the Center for African American Studies, the Graduate School and the Office of Academic Affairs and Diversity.

Followed by a Discussion with Princeton University Provost Christopher Eisgruber. Walter E. Edge Lecture/Marshall Harlan '20 Lecture, cosponsored by the Program in Law and Public Affairs.

Marcia Angell, M.D. is the author of The Truth About the Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It. Former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and pathology, she has been a frequent critic of the U.S. healthcare system and the pharmaceutical industry. Her lecture will examine the American health system, which she believes is rapidly self-destructing. Costs per capita are more than double what they are in other advanced nations and rising at an unsustainable rate. Yet our health outcomes are worse than in most of these nations, and we provide fewer of many basic services. Moreover, a growing number of Americans have inadequate health insurance or none at all. Both major presidential candidates promise to reform our health system incrementally. But they face the following dilemma: If they try to control costs, coverage will inevitably shrink. On the other hand, if they try to expand coverage, costs will rise. The candidates have embraced opposite horns of this dilemma. Senator McCain has opted for holding down costs by passing more of the burden to individuals, even though it means more people will be without health care. Senator Obama has opted for increasing coverage, even though it means adding to the staggering costs. Neither is a long-term solution. The only way to have universal health care at a sustainable cost is to overhaul the system entirely. Dr. Angell will explain why that is so, and what needs to be done.

Gideon Rosen, Professor of Philosophy and Chair, Council of the Humanities addressed the Class of 2012 in Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center.

On Sunday, President Shirley M. Tilghman addressed the Class of 2012 during the Opening Exercises. Several undergraduate prizes for academic distinction were awarded during this interfaith service, held at the University Chapel.

The University's 261st Commencement ceremony was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, on the lawn in front of Nassau Hall. Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman presided and addressed the graduates.