Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Honors students Virginia Richard and Brian Baudoin, from left, wrap their arms around each other Friday during the singing of LSU's alma mater at the school's 2012 commencement ceremony.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Becky Carmichael receives her doctorate degree in biological sciences Friday at the 2012 LSU graduation ceremonies.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU LSU honors student Lauren Oliver, associate professor of biology Christopher Austin, alumni professor of linguistics Lisi Oliver, and honors student Kimberly Johnson, from left, during LSU's 2012 commencement ceremony at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Honors students Brian Baudoin and Virginia Richard, from left, sing LSU's alma mater Friday at the school's 2012 commencement ceremony.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Mary Lou Applewhite, left, receives Friday a hug and honorary degree from LSU Chancellor Michael Martin during the school's 2012 commencement ceremony at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Doctor of Musical Arts student Jin Hin Yap sings the national anthem during LSU's 2012 commencement ceremony at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge on Friday.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Undergraduate Matthew Clark, center, smilesFriday at friends in the stands from under a yellow wig during LSU's 2012 commencement ceremony at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU An undergraduate student with a celebratory hat sits Friday among fellow graduates during LSU's 2012 commencement ceremony.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Masters students Bridget Jones Thomas and Amanda Thevenot, from left, applaud during the LSU College of Education's graduation ceremony at LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse in Baton Rouge on Friday, May 18, 2012.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Undergraduates Paul Barrial and Katrina Bargas, from left, walk in the processional during the LSU College of Education's graduation ceremony at LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse in Baton Rouge on Friday, May 18, 2012.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Graduates from the LSU College of Education wait to receive their diplomas during a graduation ceremony at LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse in Baton Rouge on Friday, May 18, 2012.

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU Masters student Jennifer Grant, left, receives her diploma from Bridget Robicheaux, right, during the LSU College of Education's graduation ceremony at LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse in Baton Rouge on Friday, May 18, 2012.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Britany Brown poses for a photo taken by a friend Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Karen Webber Golphin waves to family from stage Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Leah Peoples, the chief student marshal, wipes away tears after getting her degree Friday during Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Peoples, a psychology major from Wilmington, Del, finished with a 4.0 grade point average.. MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT / ONLINE OUT/NO SALES/TV OUT/FOREIGN OUT/ Louisiana Business Inc. out (including Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, 225, 10/12, InRegister, LBI custom publications)

Advocate staff photo by Arthur D. Lauck Kayla Caster, center, screams and cheers Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center while Brian Foster, back left, claps.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. LauckJohn S. Wilson Jr. speaks Friday during Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Wilson is executive director of the White House Initiatives on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Bridget Marie Flowers cries tears of joy Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Jennifer Holmes cheers Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Fannie Decuir, lef, and James Armstrong look for family Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Jeremy Phillips waves to family Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Shantavia Johnson, left, and Brittney Matters look for family Friday durning Southern University's Spring Commencement at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Advocate Staff Photo by Arthur D. Lauck Renowned author Ernest J. Gaines watches over Southern University's Spring Commencement Friday at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Gaines was given an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony. Gaines, a native of Oscar, La., is the author of "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," "A Lesson Before Dying" and other works.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Javanti Gallien graduated Friday from the Baton Rouge Community College with an Associate in Business. He waves at his family members at the 13th annual commencement on campus.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Brian Dixon, executive director at the Mentorship Academy gives the commencement address at Baton Rouge Community College thirteenth annual commencement on campus on Friday morning.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Baton Rouge Community College Faculty Senate President Laura Sells leads the faculty and graduates during the college's 13th annual commencement on campus Friday.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Graduates from the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012 stand together after receiving their degrees at Baton Rouge Community College's 13th annual commencement on campus Friday.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Patricia Klemens, right, who is from Germany, receives her honors associate degree in general studies from Chancellor Andrea Lewis Miller at Baton Rouge Community College's 13th annual commencement on campus Friday.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Krystie Barnes, left Shantel Barnes, middle and Evelyn Early, right pose for a picture at Baton Rouge Community College's 13th annual commencement on campus Friday.

Advocate Photo by April Buffington Amanda Belcher, left, Liberal Arts graduate and Enda Brown, Criminal Justice graduate, leads the students at Baton Rouge Community College 13th annual commencement on campus Friday.