Graduation day at Arizona State University. Commencement speaker, President Barack Obama, helped draw a crowd of more than 70,000 to Sun Devil Stadium for the historic May 13 graduation event.

Due to the anticipated number of attendees, along with a high level of security, graduates and guests were asked to arrive early. Graduate Amanda McDonald reads while she waits to receive her master’s degree in Educational Technology.

The pre-ceremony program included numerous entertainers. The Japanese Taiko Drum Group started things off around 4:30 as much-needed shade finally began to fall over Sun Devil Stadium.

The 102-degree heat did not dissuade Mariachi ASU from playing a spectacular set in traditional charro dress. Mariachi ASU members are all full-time students.

Tiesha Harrison of Tempe, who graduated that day with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, shows her support for President Obama with a decorated mortarboard.

The Alpha Sigma chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity performed their militaristic art form known as the "Salute" that stems from Latin American culture. Many Latin American countries require all men who reach the age of 18 to serve in the military.

The ASU Hip Hop Coalition performed at the event. The student-led organization promotes the positive aspects of hip-hop culture and dance, and uses it as a vehicle to serve the surrounding community.

Graduate student Jarod Pidgeon not only received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education, he also performed for his fellow graduates and guests. A native of the Onieda and Ho-Chunk nations, Pidgeon’s dance performances are the highlight of American Indian Pow-Wows across the country.

Randy Kemp, who earned his bachelor’s degree in painting from the Katherine K. Herberger College of Arts, played his Native American flute music that he has recorded for numerous CDs and videos. As well as a renowned musician, he is an environmental graphic designer at ASU.

Graduates receiving special honors for their unique accomplishments chat before the ceremony begins. Left to right: At 17, Danielle McBurnett, became the youngest person ever to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from ASU, as well as the youngest student to earn acceptance to ASU’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. Oscar Vazquez, who received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, was honored for his leadership and outreach work with students from Carl Hayden High School – the students won a prestigious national robotics competition against teams of competitors that included engineering students from MIT. Arman Rezaee, a refugee who has learned several languages in the process of settling into a home, was recognized for his outreach work and research. He received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Members of the Phoenix Indian Center Navajo Singing Group performed several songs and dances. The Phoenix Indian Center is the primary resource of social, economic, educational, leadership, employment and training for urban American Indians residing here in Maricopa County.

The ASU Gospel Choir energized the crowd with the rousing song, "Everybody Clap Your Hands." The choir is well-known for its high-energy songs and powerful vocals.

Cronkite graduate Alyssa Aalmo (L) and economics graduate Kristi Mizner clap their hands to the music during the ASU Gospel Choir performance.

Cronkite student and lead vocalist of Runaway Phoenix, front-man Dash Cooper kept the energy level up with a rocking performance.

And Dash's father, Alice Cooper, was on hand for the finale – a crowd singalong of the infamous "School’s Out."

Some in the audience found other ways to pass the time. Ryan Sweeney, who will graduate in December, gives Kara Gasperone a good-luck kiss before commencement. Gasperone will be receiving her degree in Family and Human Development.

ASU Pitchforks, the university’s only all-female a cappella choir performed a medley of favorite songs by the rock band Journey.

Kimberly Richards, who received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, takes a photo of herself and Courtney Dykstra, one of the members of the first graduating class of ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability.

During the meet-and-greet session for the President, Mr. Obama autographs the necktie of Barack Obama Scholar, Yobani Mejia-Lopez.

Carnela Sheik (L), 23, of Tempe and Noele Ranta, 21, of Scottsdale, make a sign for their friend Steffani who is graduating. Their seat in the stands might have made it difficult for Steffani to see the result of their efforts.

Hillary Bee of Scottsdale eagerly awaits the start of the 2009 commencement ceremonies at Sun Devil Stadium.