UVSC awards 3,409 diplomas — labeled UVU

OREM — Utah Valley State College graduates — the last class before the school transitions to university status July 1 — marched proudly to "Pomp and Circumstance" Friday morning at the McKay Events Center.

"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 3,409 degrees, including 1,768 associate and 1,615 bachelor's degrees, along with 26 one-year certificates or diplomas.

Commencement speaker Utah 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' success — 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 the college's commencement, but he is recovering from a recent shoulder surgery.

UVSC's 2007-08 school year student-body president Kris Coles encouraged the graduates to embrace change that "brings about ingenuity and progress." Coles, 24, of Orem, is an incoming senior majoring in psychology.

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," Coles told the graduates.

UVSC administrators gave an honorary doctoral degree of public service to Bill Hulterstrom, president of United Way of Utah County; and an honorary doctoral degree of business to Lane Beattie, a real estate broker, developer and former state senator and Utah Senate president.

UVSC graduates celebrated in style across the campus all day Friday, posing for photos and hugging family and friends.

Many UVSC graduates are non-traditional students, working and raising families while earning degrees.

Teadora Hamilton, 26, Pleasant Grove, who graduated 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

Many friends and family came from far away to support the UVSC graduates.