The term "commencement" in the context of the New York Times (NYT) can relate to several topics, primarily graduation ceremonies and their associated speeches or themes.
- "Commencement" as a crossword clue appeared in the NYT Crossword puzzle on September 20, 2025. The clue refers to the time at which something begins or an academic exercise where diplomas are conferred. The recent crossword answer for "commencement" was "GETGO" for a 5-letter answer and alternatives like "ONSET" and "OPENING" were also noted.
- The NYT has covered the themes and phenomena around commencement speeches in 2025, noting that graduation season featured a wide reach via online videos. Keynotes addressed diverse matters including political controversies, free expression, democracy, and hopeful new chapters. Some speakers avoided politics to emphasize enduring lessons, while others directly tackled current events.
- The selection of commencement speakers in 2025 has been influenced by increased government scrutiny and political tensions. Some ceremonies featured celebrities and athletes to avoid controversy, while others had politically engaged speakers. Examples include rapper Snoop Dogg at USC and Steve Carell at Northwestern University.
- Usher's 2025 commencement speech preparation for Emory University was highlighted by the NYT as a detailed and thoughtful process, emphasizing personal stories, leadership, perseverance, and nuanced commentary on education and politics without direct political attacks.
- Controversies at commencements also appeared in 2025, such as at New York University, where a student speaker had his diploma withheld for delivering an unapproved speech condemning the Gaza war, illustrating the complex intersection of free speech and university regulations during commencements.
From these insights, "commencement" in the NYT context often refers to the academic graduation events, keynote speeches, and the socio-political atmospheres surrounding them in 2025. If a specific aspect of "commencement" is desired (such as speeches, controversy, or crossword clues), please specify for a more focused answer.
