At what may have been the largest U.S. graduation in history, Sun Devil Stadium became the host for a crowd of more than 70,000 to experience Arizona State University’s historic spring 2009 Commencement.

With banners called gonfalons leading the way, the procession made its way into Sun Devil Stadium.

Before the ceremony begins, Regent and former Senator Dennis DiConcini calls something to the attention of Arizona’s Governor, and member of the Board of Regents, Jan Brewer.

The placing of the University Mace by the Grand Marshal, Philip Vandermeer, president of the University Academic Council, signals the beginning of the university’s official commencement ceremony.

To the tune of “Hail to the Chief,” the President of the United States takes the stage… and the crowd goes wild.

The Class of 1959 stood up during their introduction. Reunited for their Golden Reunion, the 1959 alumni not only were among the first class to graduate from “Arizona State University” – but they were instrumental in changing the name of the college.

Outstanding graduate Julia Hinson was recognized for receiving four degrees – a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, Religious Studies and Sociology, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

Traveling a very long way for the special event, a group of student from the China MBA program stood up to be recognized before they received their degrees from the W. P. Carey School of Business.

President Crow and University Provost Elizabeth Capaldi awarded the University Medal of Excellence to Pete Garcia for his community outreach in providing opportunity to individuals facing insurmountable challenges and obstacles. Garcia graduated from ASU in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

After much anticipation, President Crow introduces ASU’s 2009 commencement speaker, U.S. President Barack Obama.

A group of Regents’ Professors eagerly waits for President Obama to address the graduating class of 2009.

President Obama lauds ASU's key mission of access and opportunity for all students who seek a college degree.

Graduates such as this one captured the historic moment with digital cameras and camera phones.

The Carson Center provided a dramatic backdrop for President Obama’s address.

Outstanding graduates Deanna Dent, Jessica Casas and Marc Beckstrom-Stemberg applaud the President.

President Obama told ASU graduates that opening the doors of higher education to students from every background is a core mission of ASU and of his presidency – and that it should serve as a model for universities across the country.

ASU Regents’ Professor Carlos Castillo-Chavez participates in the standing ovation given to the President following his commencement address.

President Obama and President Crow stand on stage with a few students from the first cohort of Barack Obama Scholars.

As part of the academic tradition, mentors place the doctoral hood on recipients. Regents’ Professor Subhash Mahajan, from the School of Materials, places the doctoral hood on Liqin Ke.

Forty Army and Air Force cadets from five Arizona universities receive the rare honor of being commissioned as first and second lieutenants by the President of the United States.

Fireworks illuminate the sky over Sun Devil Stadium at the close of ASU’s spring commencement ceremony.