Herbert calls UVSC graduates the 'rising generation

OREM — Utah Valley State College graduates marched proudly to "Pomp and Circumstance" Friday morning at the McKay Events Center.

They are the last class to graduate from the college as it transitions to university status July 1.

"This is the very first class that will have Utah Valley University on their diploma," said UVSC president William A. Sederburg.

UVSC's spring graduates earned a total of 3,409 degrees.

Commencement speaker Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, a former Utah County Commissioner, delivered a pay-it-forward message to the graduates.

He encouraged them to pave the way for others' and also to get out and vote.

"You are the rising generation," Herbert said. "Like it or not, we are going to turn it all over to you."

Herbert has been actively involved in UVSC's transition to Utah Valley University.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was scheduled to speak at commencement, but is recovering from a recent shoulder surgery.

Kris Coles, UVSC student body president for the 2007-2008 school year, encouraged the graduates to embrace change that "brings about ingenuity and progress."

Coles complimented the school's unique leadership, past and present, saying they have thrived on opposition.

"Remember the hard work, change and sacrifices that have been made on your behalf," he told the graduates. "Many UVSC graduates are non-traditional students, working and raising families while earning degrees.

Teadora Hamilton, 26, of Pleasant Grove, graduating with a bachelor's degree in English, worked part-time as a cookie designer during school.

"I'm just really, really glad to be done," Hamilton said. "It took a long time."

But Hamilton isn't through with the academic world just yet. She is studying to take the LSAT and plans to head to law school.

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