In the fall, Teresa Rineer will be looking for a job.

Right now she's enjoying her newly minted bachelor's degree in speech communication from Millersville University.

When she and the other members of MU's Class of 2009, 1,106 strong, walked off Chryst Field on Saturday, they strode into a job market and an economic climate that's not exactly welcoming for college graduates.

The gray clouds and spotty showers over Millersville on Saturday morning were a portent of the climate awaiting the newest MU alumni.

"Those of you graduating will no doubt talk to your grandchildren some day about the economic turmoil of 2009 and how testing it was of your spirit," former White House aide Don Eberly, the commencement speaker, said.

The graduates even had to bypass the traditional congratulatory handshakes from university officials. Swine flu fears.

But rain, recession and even swine flu couldn't dampen the spirits of young and not-as-young people rejoicing at reaching a milestone.

"The tassel," said Class of 2010 speaker Shannon Farrelly, congratulating the Class of 2009, "was worth the hassle!"
Dodging raindrops
The weather wasn't promising for the ceremony at Biemesderfer Stadium. Plastic rain ponchos over academic robes were the fashion statement of the day. University officials had to consult Eric Horst, director of the school's Weather Information Center, on whether they should move indoors — which would have meant two separate graduations.

But rain didn't swamp the school's 153rd commencement, in which degrees were conferred on 1,006 undergraduates and 100 graduate students. More than 900 of those actually took part in the ceremony.

Graduates didn't get to shake the hand of MU President Francine McNairy. The audience was informed that on the advice of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, handshaking was scratched to lessen the possibility that the H1N1, or "swine flu," virus would be spread.

The university awarded an honorary doctorate to former state Sen. Gib E. Armstrong, a Republican who represented the 13th Senate District in Harrisburg from 1985 until his retirement in 2008, and who spent eight previous years in the state House.

Michael Warfel, chairman of the university's trustees, lauded Armstrong's public service, his dedication to revitalizing Lancaster city and county and his support of the school.

"Gib must be marveling at how much a public official is suddenly respected and honored after retiring," Eberly joked.

Eberly called his address "Serving in the Spirit of Lincoln," applying lessons from Abraham Lincoln's life to the economic and political climate of today.

He urged the graduates to imitate Lincoln's magnanimity and humility.

"It is an old maxim, he said, that 'a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall,' " Eberly noted. "So in a political culture awash in gall, extend to others respect and civility, and if Lincoln is to be believed, you will have access to minds everywhere."

Eberly, who lives in East Hempfield Township, is an author, an expert on civil society and was an aide in President George W. Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He served as an interim minister in the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq and coordinated tsunami relief at the State Department after the deadly 2004 tidal wave.

Despite speculation that Eberly's selection was a response to conservative anger at the MU speech by former Weather Underground activist William Ayers in March, "Eberly was chosen last fall based on his work, not in response to Ayers," Jerry Eckert, MU's vice president of advancement, said Thursday.

Eberly advised graduates to practice compassion, befriend and serve the poor, build community and set goals that transcend the materialistic.

"Media stories reveal how many who suddenly have to cut back on material things are discovering again beauty and joy around them — the joys of family and friendships and the beauty of nature," he said.

"One citizen, commenting on the extravagance of the past decade, was quoted saying, 'It's kind of funny, but I feel much more satisfied with the things money can't buy, like the well-being of my family. I'm just not seeking happiness from material things anymore.' "
Clearing skies ahead
Afterward, graduates said they were enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about the material.

"It's exhilarating right now," said Erica Davenport, who earned a bachelor's degree in education for mathematics. "Since second grade, I've been wanting to become a teacher."

Davenport, from Kennett Square, said she and her classmates are concerned, "a little," about the job market. But math and science teachers are in demand, so she's looking on the bright side as she continues her job search.

Brandon Edwards, of Philadelphia, had a similar take on his job quest in the health field. Edwards received a bachelor's degree in biology.

"There's always a job market there," he said.

And Saturday was a day to celebrate. "It took me forever and a day," he said, "but I'm here."

Commencement had special meaning for Jasmine Matos, from New York City, who earned a bachelor's degree in speech communication and hopes to enter broadcasting.

"I am the first person to graduate in my family from college," she said, surrounded by extended family members.

She's also looking for a job.

"It's kind of scary," Matos said of the economy, "but it just inspires you to be a little more creative."

Teresa Rineer, from Washington Boro, agreed.

"I try to stay positive," she said. "I'm looking forward to spending a good summer with my family and looking for a job in the fall."

Rineer's black commencement cap was decorated with "We did it Craig" in gold. Craig is her husband. The Rineers have two children.

Saturday, hope outweighed peril. As graduates ascended the platform for their diplomas, the sun broke through the clouds.

Commencements, after all, are about new beginnings.

"Find a job you love," said Armstrong, the honorary degree recipient. "You'll never have to work another day in your life."