The Tulane's graduating class of 2007, which returned to the university and the city of New Orleans despite the adversity and challenges brought on by Hurricane Katrina, enjoys words of praise from commencement speakers honoring them for their courage, spirit and commitment to volunteerism. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)

Seen from behind a sea of soon-to-be graduates, a backdrop suggesting the familiar visage of Gibson Hall towers above the stage. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)

Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News' anchor and managing editor, signs off after delivering a passionate and often humorous commencement address. (Photo by George Long)

Ellis Marsalis, world-renowned jazz musician, educator and patriarch of the city's "first family" of music, receives an honorary doctorate from Tulane President Scott Cowen. (Photo by George Long)

In a ceremony full of poignancy, the most poignant moment of the 2007 Commencement at Tulane University on Saturday (May 19) occurred midway through speaker Brian Williams' address.

The award-winning anchor and managing editor of "NBC Nightly News" asked for the house lights to be turned up, and for all graduates to stand who had done volunteer work in the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

As almost every single graduate stood -- from the most clean-cut MBA candidate to the flip-flop-wearing liberal arts major -- the groundswell of applause from the large crowd of friends and family brought down the house.

"That's what I mean," said Williams. "I speak for everyone here today. This is why we honor you: you came back."

Recognition of the resiliency and loyalty of the 2007 graduates permeated the ceremony. The students returned to Tulane after missing the fall semester of their junior year while the university and city were closed in the aftermath of the post-Katrina levee failures.

Among the recognition:

From Tulane University President Scott Cowen: "Thank you for coming back to Tulane and New Orleans in January 2006. Your commitment and loyalty helped save this university and this city. Your actions were noted around the world as examples of character, strength and loyalty."

From Class of 2007 student speaker Nadja Tilstra: "We came back not only to study but to rebuild. ... We all grew up hearing that we could change the world, but we have had the unique opportunity to live in a world that has changed us."

From best-selling author John Barry, who along with jazz legend and educator Ellis Marsalis received an honorary degree from Tulane this year: "Every year, every graduating class is told that it is special. You really are special."

And from Williams: "Not since the years of World War II has so much been asked of a graduating class as has been asked of you. ... There would not be a Tulane without New Orleans, but I am absolutely convinced that there would not be a New Orleans without Tulane."

There were lighter moments during the two-hour ceremony as it played out against this year's new stage backdrop that recreated the facade of the university's most iconic building, Gibson Hall. Williams recalled a "more innocent time" four years ago when this year's graduates first entered Tulane. He evoked memories of Korn, the movie Scooby Doo and Napster, and also joked that it was a time "when I had more hair and Britney Spears had hair."

Music always has been an important part of the Tulane commencement, and this year's music had an extra twist. In addition to the national anthem and "Alma Mater" sung by Tulane student Ken Goode Jr. and the soul-stirring jazz of Dr. Michael White's Original Liberty Jazz Band, the crowd was treated to a surprise performance by New Orleans' "first family" of jazz.

The crowd wasn't alone in its surprise. Renowned jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis surprised his father, Ellis, with a videotaped message of congratulation that was shown as the elder Marsalis received his honorary degree. And when Ellis Marsalis joined Michael White and his band at the piano for a song, he was further surprised by the appearance of sons Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, well-respected musicians in their own right, who joined the jam session.

And the crowd was on its feet once again.

Saturday's commencement -- the 173rd in university history -- was followed, both at the arena and on the uptown campus, by the diploma-granting ceremonies of the individual schools and colleges.

But as the crowds dispersed, they took with them Brian Williams' play on the title of the Road Home program, a federal grant program designed to help displaced New Orleanians rebuild following the 2005 disaster.

"You have another home here, and you helped build it," Williams said. "Come back to Tulane. Come back to New Orleans. Wherever else you may end up, this is your road home."

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Online video of 2007 Tulane University Commencement.