During Bowdoin College’s 208th Commencement ceremony, bachelor of arts degrees were awarded to students from 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 14 foreign countries and territories.

For the first time since 1986, weather conditions drove the ceremony indoors — to the Sidney J. Watson Arena. Though the venue was new, President Barry Mills continued his Commencement tradition of speaking about leadership.

“At Bowdoin we understand that leadership requires empathy — at its best it requires a person who understands in their heart and head the issues and problems they seek to solve, and the situations they aim to improve. A Bowdoin leader leaves their ego at the door — it is not the volume of your voice, but the power of your ideas,” Mills said. Read more.