Photos: Commencement moments

Cheers, speeches, music and moments of reflection came together to make the Tulane Unified Commencement Ceremony on Saturday (May 19) an extraordinary success. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome was made for celebrating, and members of the class of 2012 were the stars.

Happy graduates pose for photos as they prepare to celebrate with their classmates.

The stirring sound of bagpipes and drums brings applause from the audience as Pipes and Drums of New Orleans leads the way for the platform party.

President Scott Cowen beams as he walks to the Superdome stage, by tradition going last in the procession.

Her mortar board colorfully decorated, student speaker Laura Meagher gives an energetic message to her fellow grads, who cheer her on.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who received the Tulane President's Medal for his community endeavors, thrills the grads and visitors by playing and singing “When the Saints Go Marching In” along with Dr. Michael White's Original Liberty Jazz Band.

A colorful shower of confetti, balloons and beach balls drops on the assembled 2,700 graduates, the newest group of Tulane alumni.

Twirling his celebratory Tulane umbrella, the grand marshal struts out front with the brass band to finish off the ceremony in New Orleans style.