2012 Graduates Make Walk Across Severance Hall Stage

Some will remain lifelong friends; others might never see each other again after Sunday.

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But the 2012 graduating class will always share in the ceremony that marked their official entrance into adulthood and cherish that life-changing memory forever.

Family, friends and faculty came to Severance Hall on Sunday to witness that moment and celebrate, watching each graduate cross the stage and proudly grasp their diplomas.

Every graduate received a few special cheers expressing familial and fraternal connections and other joyful yelps reminded those in attendance that this was a day of fun.

Nonetheless, Beachwood board vice president Mitchel Luxenburg imparted some wisdom and a little humor on the 2012 class in hopes they realize the awesome challenges life has before them.

“Live your life that when the hour of death approaches, the world will think you’re a good person, a person of character who was loved by all family and friends and the world was a better place because you walked upon it,” he said. “If that challenge is a little too much and little too deep, I understand. So I’ll offer an alternative challenge. …

“Just don’t make things any worse. … There are plenty of people out there doing that.”

The sentiment was met with hearty applause.

Click through the gallery above to see images from the afternoon,