GW returned to the National Mall last weekend for Commencement, where graduates gathered with friends and family to celebrate their academic accomplishments. The ceremony featured social justice advocate, attorney and author Bryan Stevenson as the keynote speaker.

[gwh_image id=”1190203″ size=”embedded-img” align=”none”]Thousands of graduates sit to watch the Commencement ceremony.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1190206″ size=”embedded-img” align=”none”]Graduates stand together in the crowd during the Commencement ceremony.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1190205″ size=”embedded-img” align=”none”]GW faculty look out from the stage at the graduating students.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1190204″ size=”post-thumbnail” align=”none”]School of Media and Public Affairs Director of Strategic Initiatives Frank Sesno receives the President’s Medal, one of three recipients of the award. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1190199″ size=”post-thumbnail” align=”none”]Graduates protest the Board of Trustees’ recent decision to arm GW Police Department officers by holding up signs during the ceremony.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1190200″ size=”embedded-img” align=”none”]A girl smiles from the front row of the crowd of graduates.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1190202″ size=”embedded-img” align=”none”]Graduates toss their caps to celebrate receiving their degrees.[/gwh_image]