Staying connected

An air of anticipation was felt as students, families and faculty entered the Carrier Dome for the annual spring commencement. This year, the university awarded diplomas to 5,056 Syracuse University students, as well as 637 students from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Chancellor Nancy Cantor was greeted with abundant applause to preface her address to the graduating students. However, the highlight of the ceremony was undoubtedly the speech delivered by honored commencement speaker, Aaron Sorkin.

Sorkin is a 1983 graduate of Syracuse University, as well as a screenwriter and playwright, noted for his works The Social Network, Moneyball and The West Wing.

Sorkin reciprocated students' excitement with a speech convicted with abundant humor and relevant advice.

Between moments of insight, excitement and nostalgia, many who were present found time to stay connected with updates to social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

What follows is a Storify collection representing the day's emotion via selected comments, photos and videos posted by students, organizations and other attendees throughout the ceremony.