Pearl Tower Lit Violet for NYU Shanghai Grads

On the eve on NYU Shanghai’s inaugural Commencement ceremony, the city's Oriental Pearl Tower was lit up in violet in honor of the first graduating class.

The lighting of the Shanghai landmark echoed the NYU tradition of lighting the Empire State Building violet for NYU's all-university graduation day in New York and marked the start of the weekend's celebrations. 

Class of 2017 graduates, their families and friends gathered in the plaza at the foot of the tower in Lujiazui Financial Center on Saturday, May 27 for the Send-Off event, which featured musical performances by members of the Senior Class.

The event culminated in a countdown to the illumination of iconic building, followed by an emotional rendition of university's Alma Mater, which was composed for the graduation.

If you missed the event, or just want to see it again, you can watch it in full below. You can also check out photos from the evening here -- see anyone you recognize?!