SPOKANE -- Gonzaga University hosted Archbishop Desmond Tutu as the commencement speaker for the 2012 graduation held at the Spokane Arena Sunday.
This year's class was the largest graduating GU class in history and it was the first time the Spokane Arena was at capacity for the event.
More than 1,000 undergraduates took part in the ceremony Sunday. For the first time, university officials will require tickets for admission. The ceremony was closed off to the general public.
Officials estimate 11,000 people attended the event.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the commencement speaker and discussed social justice. Students said that Tutu's speech was both funny and inspirational.
Tutu agreed to be the speaker after learning about a publication called "One World" created by GU students, and was moved by the magazine's coverage of cultures around the globe.
Recently, Gonzaga University said it would not bow to pressure from social conservatives to resend Tutu's invitation. Opponents objected to some of Tutu's social views that contradict Catholic teachings including support for abortion rights and gay marriage.
The entire graduation ceremony ran 1 hour long.
