For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was able to hold their graduation ceremonies in person on Saturday

The class of 2022 had more than 2,000 students cross the stage during the ceremony.

Graduates represented 46 states and 31 nations.

Along with the ceremony, RPI President Shirley Jackson gave her final farewell after 23 years

Jackson was the 18th president of RPI and thanked both the students and faculty for a successful tenure

 “If you are empathetic and lend a hand, to others along the way, then life will be good,” Jackson said. “Which in the end is all I want for you, and all I have ever wanted for you. For your lives to be good. Because that will be my real legacy.”

The board of trustees honored Jackson with an honorary alumni designation during the ceremony to thank her for her service.