Fordham Class of ’23 Storms Through the Rain To Graduate
After four years of hard work and dedication, graduates and their families did not let the poor weather conditions affect their commencement celebrations
May 30, 2023
Note: The photographer chose to capture this photo essay in black and white as a reflection of their style of photography and to emphasize the composition and contrast of this commencement day, which he described as a “rainy day where the colors are dull.” The photos below are a composite of film and digital photography using a film and DSLR digital camera to take photos.
Graduates of the Class of 2023 at Fordham University had to brave momentous rain and brisk winds during their final moments as students on May 20 in order to cross the finish line in their undergraduate careers.
Fordham hosted its 178th annual Commencement Ceremony at the Rose Hill campus, which was the first commencement ceremony under University President Tania Tetlow. The celebrations began at Edwards Parade, where graduating students poured in to witness the university president and deans recognize several distinguished individuals and confer their honorary degrees.
Among these was music legend Stevie Wonder — the recipient of an honorary doctorate of humane letters — who offered the Class of 2023 some words of inspiration and wisdom as their commencement speaker and later put on a special performance.
Following the commencement ceremony at around 12:30 p.m., each college held their own diploma and name-calling ceremonies, during which the graduates walked the stage to receive their degrees. A ceremony for the Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) graduating Class of 2023 was held on the Walsh Family Library Lawn.
