May 9, 2004 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

CALIFORNIA – As the California University of Pennsylvania graduating class of 2004 stood together Saturday, they received a thunderous round of applause from friends and families who packed the Hamer Hall gymnasium to watch them receive their diplomas. President Angelo Armenti Jr. commended the class for its accomplishments, and faculty members for “producing another outstanding graduating class,” during the 158th commencement.

Armenti told the audience that during the last year, Cal U’s enrollment had increased for the seventh consecutive year, and the quality of the faculty has never been higher.

Although he acknowledged that the students might feel mixed emotions at the ending of an era, he light-heartedly urged them to be proud of what they have done and know that their college experience will help them in the future.

“Today you are receiving the diplomas that you worked so hard to earn,” said Armenti, “the ones that your friends weren’t sure you would get in your lifetime. But today, you’ve proved the skeptics wrong. Everyone associated with the university is very proud of your accomplishments.

Commencement speaker Charles C. Keller was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Senior counsel in the law firm Peacock Keller and Ecker in Washington, Keller, a graduate of Cal U and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, offered the graduates some words of wisdom, including one of his rules to live by.

“You can always afford to lose an argument, but you can never afford to lose a friend,” he said Keller.

He also told the graduates they should strive to “work harder, work longer, and work smarter.

“Your learning is not finished,” he said. “You will be surprised at what this experience will teach you in years ahead.”

Keller concluded by telling the graduates that they should always “set high goals and pursue them.”

Also participating in the commencement were Brass Unlimited, playing the prelude and the recessional. Organist Kathy Sacco assisted with the processional. The California University Army ROTC posted the colors, and the university choir led the “Star Spangled Banner,” and performed “This is the Day” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The Rev. Cristen Decious of California United Methodist Church prayed for God’s blessings on the graduates during the ceremony and for the rest of their lives.

“They are eager to break free and fly on their own wings,” said Decious. “Along with the fear and excitement comes pride for what is accomplished. Help us all to make something wonderful of the lives you have entrusted to us.”