In Penn's early Commencement ceremonies, graduating students' orations filled the day. Then, during the colonial period, the College's ties to the Church of England and the Penn family led to an increase in prayers and sermons. By 1910, the student orators were taken from the program entirely, making way for more prominent honorary degree recipients. Honorary degree recipients have included UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and U2 lead singer Bono.

Did You Know... The student orations that marked early Commencement ceremonies were delivered not only in English, but occasionally in Latin as well.