Every student in the class of 2014 has a story: a struggle, a moment of victory; a parent or friend they’d like to thank; an exam they’d like to forget, and a wish fulfilled.
As part of our annual "Nightly News" commencement tradition, we canvassed the country in search of those stories. Dozens of producers and camera crews visited universities during this commencement season, capturing footage and special moments from more than 40 colleges.
Some of our favorite moments from the time we shared with the graduating class of 2014 are Columbia College Chicago’s musical procession, the way the University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘jumps around,’ how strawberries and champagne are served up at Vanderbilt, bagpipes at Webster, Emory’s candlelight bridge crossing, Colgate University’s torchlight ceremony, and cannons of confetti at the University of Albany.
Below, watch these special traditions from commencements around the country: