Carrollton native named Princeton salutatorian

Stephen Hammer, a classics major, delivered the salutatory address at Princeton’s Commencement ceremony June 2. The address at Princeton is traditionally given in Latin and is the university's oldest student honor. The tradition dates back to an era when the entire Commencement ceremony was conducted in Latin. The Latin salutatory began as a serious, formal address, but today it often includes humorous tributes and recollections, as well as a farewell to Princeton campus life.

Because few students today know Latin, the new graduates follow along using printed copies of the remarks. Traditionally, these include footnotes telling when to clap (plaudite), laugh (ridete) and shout (conclamate). Guests and other audience members do not have the annotated copies, a practice dictated by tradition because the salute is directed to the members of the class.

In addition to studies in Latin and Greek, Hammer pursued political theory and themes of right and wrong in his academic work while also participating in ROTC at Princeton. His commitment to duty will lead him to serve in the Army infantry after first serving as a Rhodes Scholar for two years at the University of Oxford to earn a master's degree in theology. Hammer plans to attend law school with the hope of one day becoming a judge.

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