Nader was a presidential candidate in 2000 and 2004 and first gained fame for consumer advocacy. In addition to heralding the "moral courage" of the student organizer of the alternative commencement, he railed against the auto industry, the U.S. tax system, the two-party political system, materialism, minimum wage, health care and false advertising.

Other alternative commencement speakers included former U.S. Senate candidate Pete Ashdown and Jack Healey, who led Amnesty International for 12 years.

They both called the student organizers heroes for the criticism they received from many people in the community. They also lauded them for personal sacrifices made to assemble the program at the same time they were taking final exams.

Student organizer Ashley Sanders, who graduated Thursday in English from BYU, even tried to enroll in a medical test to raise some funds for the event. However, the researchers of the study determined she didn't qualify to participate.

The event cost $20,000 but was free to the public. Student organizer Eric Bybee emptied his bank account to reserve the McKay Events Center.

Private donors provided the money — $6,000 more than needed, in fact. The extra money will be donated to local charities, Sanders said.

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E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com