It may be more than a hundred years ago, but the pomp and circumstance remain constant at commencement. This shot of “Literary Class Day Exercises” was culled from the Alumnae Council photograph collection. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

“We are leaving Michigan together, graduates, you and I,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman, as she addressed the University’s newest alumni May 3. “While you are embarking on your first job, or an advanced degree, I am concluding 45 years in higher education. I could not be more honored than to have my final commencement as University president be with you, the class of 2014.” Coleman retires as U-M’s 13th president July 1. (Image: Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography.)

In 1949 graduates convened at Ferry Field for the annual commencement exercises. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

Modern-day students file into Michigan Stadium to mark their commencement. (Image: Joel S. Johnson, Michigan Photography.)

In 2008 spring commencement relocated to the Diag in light of construction taking place at Michigan Stadium. (Image: Matin Vloet, Michigan Photography.)

The distribution of honorary academic degrees is a stirring tradition at each commencement ceremony. In June 1926 Henry Ford received an honorary doctor of engineering degree from U-M. (Detroit News photo courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

The Class of 1951 witnessed the presentation of an honorary fine arts degree to trailblazing photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White. A one-time student at U-M, Bourke-White graduated from Cornell and went on to produce some of the most iconic work of the 20th century for Life magazine and several other major publications. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

Spike Lee is “one of the world’s most significant filmmakers, combining artistic expression with a call for social justice,” according to University leaders who chose to present the artist with an honorary fine arts degree in 2011. One cannot help but wonder, is the degree conferred upon “Spike” or his original moniker “Shelton” Lee… (Image: Scott Soderberg, Michigan Photography.)

Members of the Class of 2005 were probably as delighted as Bo Schembechler when the legendary former football coach and athletic director earned an honorary doctor of laws degree. The late Schembechler is pictured here with David Brandon, U-M’s current athletic director. (Image: Martin Vloet, Michigan Photography.)

The choice of a commencement speaker evokes celebration in some cases, controversy in others. In 1959 world-renowned contralto (and frequent guest of the University Musical Society) Marion Anderson addressed new Michigan graduates. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson told U-M graduates: “In your time, we have the opportunity to move not only toward the rich society and the powerful society, but upward to the great society.” (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Libary.)

President Bill Clinton had long completed his back-to-back terms in the Oval Office when he agreed to speak to the Class of 2007. But he still gave off that presidential glow standing beside U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. (Image: Martin Vloet, Michigan Photography.)

Make no mistake: If you’re the president of the United States and you are invited to speak at the annual spring commencement, you will not get caught in local traffic. In 2010 President Barack Obama arrived in style aboard Marine One. (Image: Scott Soderberg, Michigan Photography.)

Commencement often serves as an ideal time for protesters to lend voice to any number of causes. In 1987 students advocated for the University to divest from South Africa. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

The recognition and commissioning of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members is one of the most powerful aspects of the annual commencement exercises. (Image: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography.)

It is safe to say that Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering David Munson feels as much excitement as his students on commencement day. This chest bump tells you everything you need to know about the thrill of earning a degree from U-M’s top-ranked COE. (Image: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography.)

This lucky graduate is sure to share his appreciation with a key supporter and benefactor on this most auspicious day. (Image Scott R. Galvin, Michigan Photography.)

Photo opps abound on commencement day. For some students, the joy of gaining access to the field at the Big House is nearly as thrilling as collecting the diploma. Might as well mark the moment. (Image: Martin Vloet, Michigan Photography.)

What better occasion to dance in a fountain than graduation from the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance? (Image: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography.)

In the midst of all the hoopla and celebration, a few graduates take a moment to reflect on their collective journey and impressive accomplishment. (Image: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography.)

In this undated photo from the early 20th century, a boy peers through the gates at Ferry Field to catch a glimpse of spring commencement — and his destiny, perhaps? (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

Commencement may mark the end of one’s experience as a U-M student, but it opens the world to a whole new series of adventures as a member of the largest living alumni network in the world. Goodbye, good luck, and Go Blue! (Image: Joel S. Johnson, Michigan Photography.)