Provost Jill Tiefenthaler reads a citation as Vice President Biden receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. “Known for his common touch and as a man of action, he has distinguished himself for his ability to find a common ground among political positions,” says the citation.

Biden continues, “You’re quite simply, teaching us, and I’m here to tell you all that even Tim (Russert) would be happy to know, what you know we can learn. Just keep teaching us. It’s a journey we’re all going to take together.”

“This is your moment,” Vice President Biden tells graduates in his speech. “History is yours to bend.” Imagine a country brought together by powerful ideas, not torn apart by petty ideologies, he says. “Imagine a country that leads the world by the power of our example, and not by the example of our power.”

From President Hatch’s introduction: “We were witness to one of the most memorable elections in recent history.  Hatch noted that Vice President Biden, John McCain and Hillary Clinton all spoke on campus last year.  “We are thrilled to welcome him (Biden) back to campus,” Hatch said. The faculty gave him a standing ovation. Biden to the faculty: “I promise this will be painless.”

Noting his October campaign appearance in front of Reynolda Hall, Biden said, “It was a long trip from that end of the mall to this end.”

I won’t cover Vice President Biden’s speech since we will have a copy online later today.

President Hatch just welcomed everyone to Wake Forest’s 167th Commencement ceremony.  He says he has “deep affection” for the Class of ‘09 since he and they started at Wake Forest the same year.

Derrick Boone, president of the University Senate, leads the faculty processional in. As the faculty come in, the wind is picking up on the Quad — it is very chilly on the post office side of the Quad, which is still in the shade. I enjoy seeing the faculty in their academic regalia and seeing familiar faces — Perry Patterson from economics, Mary Lynn Redmond from education, James Dunn and Doug Bailey from divinity, Charlie Rose from the law school.  And finally, at 9:25, the President’s party is entering.  Unfortunately Vice President Joe Biden went up the stairs on the opposite side of where I’m sitting so I didn’t get a good look at him.

The student processional has begun. Marshals in white dresses and black and gold sashes are directing students to their seats. A banner with the new Wake Forest logo is at the head of the processional.

There’s only five minutes to go until the program is supposed to begin. I’m set up on the front row.  It’s surprisingly quiet at the front of the Quad, in front of the stage.  Most everyone has settled into their seats by now.  Secret Service is taking up positions around the stage, so it must be getting close.

The Quad is officially packed now.  The “lower” Quad (the end toward Wait Chapel) was closed to guests about 7:30.  Anyone arriving after that was directed to the part of the Quad toward Reynolda.  Graduates were supposed to be lined up by 7:30, but it’s funny how many are still wandering around the Quad talking to family and friends.  With only 30 minutes to go before the processional, I’m heading out to watch the ceremony.

Charles Gibson prepares to graduate with a bachelor's degree in musical performance.

One of the first students I ran into this morning was a new friend — Brett Starr from Hickory, N.C.  A little background — several weeks ago, on the last day of exams, I went to Subway for dinner while working late one night.  Brett was in there buying dinner for everyone — a friend had 59 meals left on his meal card, so Brett was using it up for him.  Brett said it was “surreal” to be graduating.  ”I’ve had some great professors, who will become lifelong mentors, people I can call and say what do I do about this.  Not only professors, but also my peers… the mentors are beyond anything that I could imagine.” Brett is hoping to go to Wake Forest medical school next year.