Every once in a while, the federal government hits a stop-gap: Congress fails to pass the appropriations or continuing-resolution, and we get a federal government shutdown, or something similar. Many may view this as a political stalemate far removed from the lecture halls, dorms, and research labs of colleges and universities — but the truth is: higher-education institutions feel the impact in clear, practical ways.

Every fall, as leaves crunch underfoot and the air grows crisp, college campuses across the country buzz with the excitement of a new semester—and a few eerie whispers from the past. From colonial-era universities to modern institutions built on old battlefields, some campuses carry more than just academic history. They’re said to host lingering spirits of students, professors, and tragic figures who never truly left.

Graduation season in the United States is a time of immense pride, celebration, and, for some universities, a logistical marvel. We're talking about institutions that don't just graduate a class, they launch a city's worth of new alumni into the world. But which U.S. universities can lay claim to hosting the largest commencement exercises, sending off a sea of gowned graduates in a single period? Let's dive into the world of mega-graduations.

Every year, universities across the globe invite esteemed figures to impart wisdom upon their graduating classes. We often see politicians, CEOs, and renowned academics gracing the commencement stage. But every now and then, a university throws a curveball, inviting a speaker from a less conventional background. These unexpected choices can lead to some of the most memorable and inspiring graduation speeches. Let's take a look back at some of the most unlikely college commencement speakers of the past.

The image of a diverse, vibrant college campus often feels like a cornerstone of modern American life. But the reality of racial integration in higher education is a relatively recent and hard-won victory, marked by decades of struggle and resistance. From the earliest attempts to educate Black Americans to the ongoing pursuit of true equity, the history of racial integration in colleges is a complex and crucial part of our national narrative.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact extends far beyond the Civil Rights Movement. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of education continues to shape educational philosophies and inspire generations of students and educators.