Stanford, students, say thanks and bye Stanford, students, say thanks and bye (June 16, 2004)

Stanford University's 113th commencement was held under clear skies and before 25,000 family and friends in Stanford Stadium on Sunday morning.

Stanford awarded 1,788 bachelor's degrees, 2,055 master's degrees, and 890 doctorates.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was the keynote speaker - for the second time. The Stanford alumnae and law school graduate also spoke in 1982, after her appointment to the high court by former President Ronald Reagan, whom she praised in her remarks. She urged the students to consider lives of public service.

In a uniquely Stanford tradition, the seniors burst into the stadium at a dead run, instead of marching sedately, and tossed Frisbees and had fun for a half-hour before the serious words began. --Don Kazak

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