Rendell gives grads advice
BUTLERTWP — Brass instruments Thursday night beat out tones of classical music not natural on the hardwood court of the field house at Butler County Community College.
But the sounds were natural for the night's occasion as 211 soon-to-be graduates walked through the doors in black robes.
They took their seats to hear from the president who leads their college, the man who guides the faculty, and a woman who made the best of opportunities while she was a student at BC3.
The keynote speaker was Gov. Ed Rendell, who gave the graduates three pieces of advice. He told them not to let anyone define success for them.
"All the riches and all the fame does not make you happy," he said. He also told them to dream big and work hard at achieving their dreams.
His third piece of advice: Tonight's the night to ask your parents for money.
Rendell said he valued education, especially early childhood education, and the importance of influencing a person's life in a positive way.
Shelley Duffy, a morning talk co-host for a Pittsburgh radio station, was honored as a distinguished alumnus.
Lauren Bennett, the student speaker, spoke of her memories studying and succeeding at the college.
Then it was time for the diplomas. Some, like Dena Bapiste of West Sunbury who graduated with associate degrees in both business management and human resources, were nervous.She started at the college two years ago, choosing it for the location and cost.She had attended the college before, but when circumstances prevented her from continuing, she took some time off and returned. Now, she's looking forward to earning a bachelor's degree at Geneva College in human resources.Others, like Tyler Eroh, who graduated Thursday from the networking and personal computer specialist program, are looking to enter the job market now.When he began at the college in 2003, he was in the general studies program, but after a switch, he now wants to become a network administrator.All 488 students, ages 18 to 75, who were eligible for graduation have achieved a great deal, Cynthia Azari, college president, said."Each can be a leader,"she said. Maybe not a political figure or a corporate giant, she said, but someone who can make a difference in a life.Chris Calhoun, president of the faculty organization, was the greeting speaker. He wished the graduates good luck in the future.
