Princeton University Podcasts

Recent financial reforms—most notably the Dodd-Frank Act and the Basel III rules—are often described as “reining in Wall Street,” preventing taxpayer bailouts and protecting consumers from financial meltdowns. Simply reining in Wall Street, however, is not sufficient. With the benefit of recent lessons and improved knowledge of human behavior, we should work to release the potential of financial innovation. Despite the bad press financial innovation has received as a result of some individuals and institutions taking advantage of faulty innovations to enrich themselves, financial innovation has the potential to prevent worsening inequality and other social problems. History shows that advances in civil society have been associated with progress in financial institutions and practices. Robert J. Shiller is the Arthur M. Okun Professor of Economics at Yale University.

On Sunday, September 12, Samuel Wang, Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Molecular Biology, addressed the Class of 2014 for the annual freshman assembly on the subject of "Neuroscience and Everyday Life." Professor Wang offered the following introduction to his lecture: "Our brains are essential to every aspect of our everyday lives, even though we are often not aware of it. The last few decades have been an incredible time of discovery and new understanding of brain function from a medical, a biological, and a philosophical point of view. I'll show you how neuroscience has touched your life and will continue to do so in the coming four years and for the rest of your lives."

On Sunday, September 12, Samuel Wang, Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Molecular Biology, addressed the Class of 2014 for the annual freshman assembly on the subject of "Neuroscience and Everyday Life." Professor Wang offered the following introduction to his lecture: "Our brains are essential to every aspect of our everyday lives, even though we are often not aware of it. The last few decades have been an incredible time of discovery and new understanding of brain function from a medical, a biological, and a philosophical point of view. I'll show you how neuroscience has touched your life and will continue to do so in the coming four years and for the rest of your lives."

Challenging the freshman class to embrace two ideas that might seem to be in contradiction, Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman told incoming students to spend their Princeton career building deep expertise in a specialty while also developing broad understanding. The new students and their families -- joined by new and returning graduate students, other undergraduates, faculty and staff -- filled the University Chapel and two simulcast sites for the interfaith service that traditionally marks the start of each academic year. Members of the class of 2014 entered the chapel with other students in their respective residential colleges. Each group was led by a student carrying a colorful banner bearing the college shield, as the students preceded faculty members and administrators in academic regalia. The procession followed African drummers and kite-bearers waving shimmering pieces of cloth on long poles. In addition to Tilghman's address, the event included music, prayers and readings from various religious and philosophical traditions. Undergraduate students also were recognized for their academic achievements during the previous year.

Challenging the freshman class to embrace two ideas that might seem to be in contradiction, Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman told incoming students to spend their Princeton career building deep expertise in a specialty while also developing broad understanding. The new students and their families -- joined by new and returning graduate students, other undergraduates, faculty and staff -- filled the University Chapel and two simulcast sites for the interfaith service that traditionally marks the start of each academic year. Members of the class of 2014 entered the chapel with other students in their respective residential colleges. Each group was led by a student carrying a colorful banner bearing the college shield, as the students preceded faculty members and administrators in academic regalia. The procession followed African drummers and kite-bearers waving shimmering pieces of cloth on long poles. In addition to Tilghman's address, the event included music, prayers and readings from various religious and philosophical traditions. Undergraduate students also were recognized for their academic achievements during the previous year.

Commencement is an open meeting of the Board of Trustees held on the front lawn of Nassau Hall, weather permitting. The program includes brief speeches by the salutatorian, the valedictorian, and the president of the University; the awarding of degrees to undergraduate and graduate students; the conferral of teaching awards to several New Jersey high school teachers and Princeton University faculty; and conferral of honorary degrees. Individual diplomas are distributed following the ceremony.

Commencement is an open meeting of the Board of Trustees held on the front lawn of Nassau Hall, weather permitting. The program includes brief speeches by the salutatorian, the valedictorian, and the president of the University; the awarding of degrees to undergraduate and graduate students; the conferral of teaching awards to several New Jersey high school teachers and Princeton University faculty; and conferral of honorary degrees. Individual diplomas are distributed following the ceremony.

The Hooding ceremony for advanced degree candidates was held at 5 p.m., May 31 in McCarter Theatre. Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman and Graduate School Dean William Russel presided.

The Hooding ceremony for advanced degree candidates was held at 5 p.m., May 31 in McCarter Theatre. Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman and Graduate School Dean William Russel presided.

The Class Day ceremony is planned and presented by the members of the senior class. Although it varies from year to year, the event traditionally gives seniors an opportunity to acknowledge publicly achievements and contributions of members of the class and University community. The program includes 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. Class Day ends with the singing of “Old Nassau.”