1,000 get degrees from WSU

Weber State University honored approximately 1,000 graduates Friday who have completed coursework.

In a group of about 10 graduates, only one spoke of having any debt from student loans. Don Bishop, 29, owes $15,000 after earning his bachelor of science degree in human performance. He has a wife and two children. Oh, and he's looking for work.

"I've got to have a way to ensure my wife and kids," he said. With rising tuition on Utah campuses, debt load for people like Bishop will likely be worse in the future.

The thrill is fleeting for such graduates, who are in effect re-entering the real world. Bishop, like so many others, left a job he didn't like for an advanced education that will — fingers crossed — take him somewhere he wants to be.

Bishop's path follows the advice of student graduate speaker Cristina Alvear, who urged graduates to find their key to the door that opens to success.

"Now, we are ready to continue our search for happiness," Alvear said. Her own search likely will come full circle when she finally returns to work in her native country, Chile.

For many, WSU represents the keys to Alvear's proverbial door. If not keys, then tools to maybe pry open that door.

University president F. Ann Millner told graduates they now possess the "tools" to change minds and lives and to help build better communities.

"This is just the beginning of a lifelong learning experience," she said.

Life at WSU, Millner pointed out, is a lot different these days. In 1998, WSU had 13,900 students — the 2003 fall enrollment was about 18,800. Not so long ago, the school offered only 20 courses through online services to about 100 students — those numbers are now 484 courses and 5,500 students.

Taking a class via a home computer was unheard of when Gary Crittenden was at WSU. He received an honorary doctor of humanities before giving a speech for the school's 122nd commencement.

After opening a slew of doors that included degrees from Brigham Young University and Harvard, Crittenden is now executive vice president and chief financial officer for American Express.

Crittenden talked about how his company's success relies in large part on the "brand" it puts forth. It's an image that can impact emotion, reaction and decision-making.