During the Civil War, newspapers printed engravings such as Winslow Homer’s A War for the Union 1862 — Cavalry Charge.

Flowers are sold outside of Lobby 7 to friends and family of the graduates.

Faculty members, adorned with red hats and gowns, assemble under a tent in front of Kresge.

Jessica A. Artiles ’12 and fellow graduates march along Amherst Street.

Salman Khan ’98 delivered the 2012 Commencement address on June 8. The founder of the widely-used educational site Khan Academy told the graduating seniors to listen to others, to appreciate every opportunity, and to be responsible with the status and power of money.

Faculty members take their seats along the podium.

Graduates sit outside the Z Center prior to lining up.

Graduates suffer in the hot sun. The ceremonies were held under clear skies and narrowly missed rain in the afternoon.

Spectators cool off from the hot day by grabbing free bottled water at booths located at both sides of Killian Court.

The graduates line up inside the Johnson Athletic Center.

Alumni are applauded and take a seat along the side of Killian Court. Red coats are given to alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago.

The graduating seniors decorated their mortar boards and gowns with many amusing objects.

A six-piece brass ensemble plays as the graduates marched to Killian Court.

Family members look on as the graduates pass by the Z Center.

R. Gregory Turner ’74, president of the MIT Alumni Association, leads the procession and holds the ceremonial mace.