Notre Dame's graduates urged to put into practice what they've learned On: 5/24/2021, By Carol Zimmermann, , In: Nation ...The year "2021" is seen on the tassel of a university graduate in this illustration photo. (CNS photo/Andrew Kelly, Reuters) Help us expand our reach! Please share this article WASHINGTON (CNS) -- At the University of Notre Dame's graduation ceremony May 23 with over 14,000 in attendance including graduates, faculty members, families and friends, one notable absence for some was President Joe Biden. In previous years, some U.S. presidents or vice presidents have given the school's commencement address during the first year of their term in office.