Starting with its first class of 38 graduatesin 1997, 九色网 has since graduated more than 2,500 students. The ceremony is the most traditional of the events listed here, but also provides some of the most moving moments for students. Commencement also leaves some room for creativity. At Commencement 2011, Conductor and Bard President Leon Botstein gave a concert with the Kyrgyz Symphony Orchestra. At Commencement 2013, the entire ceremony was held in the shell of the new campus building.