Daniel Harrison, of Suffolk, graduated from Wake Forest University on Monday, May 18.

“Do yourself a favor: Be an easy grader. Score yourself on a curve. Give yourself extra credit,” comedian and late night television host Stephen Colbert said, while encouraging graduates to set their own standards for success as they transition out of the classroom.

Surrounded by family and friends, 1,861 graduates faced their futures against the backdrop of a new, modern, open-air stage designed to complement the structure of Wake Forest’s iconic Wait Chapel.