Madeleine Murnick, a classics major from Washington, D.C., delivered the Latin salutatory address at Princeton University’s Commencement ceremony on May 26. The salutatio is recognized as Princeton’s oldest student honor and has evolved from a formal speech in Latin to a farewell that includes humorous tributes and recollections.
In her English remarks, Murnick welcomed classmates, families, and friends while reflecting on the size of the graduating class. She said, “Today we celebrate the Great Class of 2026. Ever since we arrived at Princeton, our class has been notorious for its size. We were and are to date the largest class at this University, which makes this ceremony historic.”
Murnick recounted navigating campus construction projects during her time at Princeton. She said students often moved between sites like Hobson College and The Art Museum with difficulty: “At times, we ran to class among all the construction with the skill of ancient sailors navigating between Scylla and Charybdis.”
She also addressed changes faced by her class both physically on campus and personally during their studies. Quoting Ovid in her speech, she said: “All changes, nothing dies.” Murnick told classmates that while change can bring fear or excitement, lasting friendships and memories would remain with them after graduation.
Concluding her remarks in both English and Latin, Murnick encouraged fellow graduates to celebrate one another’s achievements. She said she felt fortunate to call them classmates and friends.
