HONORS AWAIT. Eager graduates enjoy the spring-like weather in front of the Lavin-Bernick Center on Saturday (May 19) before their school's diploma ceremony. It was a full day of celebrations that began at the New Orleans arena, where University Commencement featured a poignant speech by student speaker Nadja Tilstra, a powerful address by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams and special music by jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, who received an honorary degree. Alumni from the Class of 1957 received special honors as well. (Photos by Paula Burch-Celentano and George Long.)