Rahm Emanuel, chief of staff to President Barack Obama, gave the keynote address and received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during GW's Commencement on the National Mall, May 17, 2009.

President Steven Knapp addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

W. Russell Ramsey, GW Board of Trustees Chairman addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

Richard Crespin, B.A. '93, GW Alumni Association President, addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

John Safer, B.A. '47, renowned sculptor, addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

Jeanne Narum, director of Project Kaleidoscope and the Independent Colleges Office, addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

Naomi Rapp, B.S. '09, addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

Cosmin Florescu , M.A., M.P.H. '09, addresses GW graduates on the National Mall May 17, 2009.

Julian Bond speaks May 18 during GW's Commencement on the National Mall

President Steven Knapp speaks May 18 during GW's Commencement on the National Mall