Brokaw addresses the 240th graduating class

This year University President Judith Rodin planned a unique activity to begin graduation ceremonies for the Class of 1996. As seniors gathered at Superblock around 9:15 Tuesday morning, preparing to embark on the traditional march to Commencement at Franklin Field, Rodin told the mass to get ready, get set -- and run. "This is going to be a jog-a-thon today," she said. "We are going to be on the field in 10 minutes. Right?" Lined up by school, the seniors defied Rodin's request and leisurely strolled down Locust Walk in the perfect weather -- completely savoring the moment. The procession was the third, and final, opportunity for the entire class to unite. Some seniors attempted to make the day even more memorable by personalizing their mortarboards with anything from helium balloons to Dr. Seuss hats. By the time the last senior was seated it was nearly 10:30, but the officials seemed to be more concerned about the temperature than the tardiness. During her opening remarks, Rodin reminisced about her days at the University highlighting everything from Smokey Joe's to the success of the football team. At the end of her remarks Rodin warned the crowd to be wary of the increasing temperature. People heeded her words -- at least 20 guests visited the Event Medical Services' area for assistance, according to Director Carl Monzo. As a result of the 110 degree surface temperature of the field, two people were transported to the hospital for additional care he said. Following Rodin's address, Rita Dove, Commonwealth Professor of English at the University of Virginia and former Poet Laureate, performed a dramatic reading of her poem "Lady Freedom Among Us." Continuing the effort to inspire, Provost Stanley Chodorow distributed honorary degrees to eight candidates, including a Doctor of Laws to Tom Brokaw the anchor and managing editor of NBC News. With his new degree in hand, Brokaw delivered a Commencement Address that captivated the entire audience -- not a single beachball was bounced while he stood at the podium. He drew in the audience with several jokes concerning events that dominated the University's attention throughout the year. "Here is a message from the President of Penn," Brokaw said. "Okay Lance, you now have a degree -- but you still have to get a life." The focus of Brokaw's speech discussed the many recent advances in technology and how this new information is affecting society in America. He challenged the Class of 1996 to attempt to "save the world." Even throughout the closing remarks, many people continued to discuss aspects of his speech. Each person seemed to have their favorite line -- but with the sun becoming continually scorching, Brokaw's remark about the weather seemed to be the most frequently repeated. "The Class of 1996 -- Congratulations," Brokaw said. "It's 96 degrees and you should be grateful for that. Better it be the temperature than the combined I.Q."