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Graduates enjoy time with friends and families. (Photo by Andy Daddio)

Here are some facts and figures from 51����’s 193rd commencement, held May 18.

— Valedictorian of the Class of 2014 is Alexander W. Hull, of Norwich, Conn. Hull is a major with a minor in applied mathematics. He graduated summa cum  laude, with high honors in chemistry. He had graduated from Norwich Free Academy in Connecticut.

— Salutatorian is , of Hue, Vietnam. Tue, an major, graduated summa cum laude, with high honors in economics. He has been elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

— Of the 749 students who completed bachelor’s degree requirements and were eligible to graduate, 384 (51.3 percent) graduated with university honors: 51 summa cum laude, 164 magna cum laude, and 169 cum laude.

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— One of the diplomas was awarded to , a member of the class who died March 10, 2013. Audience members stood and cheered loudly as Luke’s father, Peter, strode to the stage to accept the diploma for his son from President Jeffrey Herbst.

— Departmental honors were awarded to 117 students, and high honors to 64. Ten students graduated with Distinction in the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum. Forty-nine students in the Class of 2014 were elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

— President Herbst made a special mention of English professor emeritus , who had served as university marshal for many years. “Over the years, George played a critical role in the execution of this complex event and allowed us to process with good cheer and aplomb. George passed away in November, but his memory is especially powerful today. I am grateful to Professor Karen Harpp for taking on the duties of university marshal and to Professor Susan Thomson for assisting her.”

— Four students were awarded the degree of master of arts in teaching.

— 4 earned the university’s 1819 Award.

— Graduates at today’s ceremony wore made from recycled bottles, another illustration of the university’s commitment to sustainability.