"This is the first [commencement] I've ever been to," said Russ Puterbaugh, 56, who earned a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. "It was incredible, really."

The Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, addressed graduates, delivering a message of encouragement as they confront the challenges that await them. Graduates have a responsibility to the environment and must keep informed and live a truthful life.

"I have great confidence in your ability to recognize the realities all of us now face, to shape your responses accordingly and to teach not only the generation to follow you but my generation as well how to live more honorably the life we are given on this Earth and in this country," Irish said.

Jared Patten, who received a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy, returned to college to secure his family's future after injuring himself while working in construction. His wife Vicki joined him, earning an associate's degree in general studies.

The couple, who have two children and are expecting a third, "took it one day at a time," Jared said.

"It was hard. As a couple, we struggled to find the time to study and we have our two kids. But I'm excited to get started and into the work force."

Their journey was difficult enough, but to hear student speaker Cynthia Loveland's story made their experience seem less complicated, the Pattens said.

Loveland spoke of her divorce, a full-time course schedule, caring for five children and surviving an ulcer. Countless gallons of coffee helped her get through it all.

"And I'm not the only one who's had these challenges," Loveland said. "Some of you have endured car accidents, cancer, marriage, divorce, death in the family and the financial strain that comes with a college education."

She said things may have changed in the past four or in her case six years of college, but that doesn't mean sitting back and watching it happen. "We are educated, and not only have the ability, but the responsibility to be a part of the change around us - worldwide, nationwide, and statewide," she said.

WSU has a 41 percent nontraditional student enrollment, which includes students who are older than 25, are married or have children.

"[WSU] makes it more comfortable for those students to come back and finish their studies," the Pattens said.

Commencement exercises will be rebroadcast on KUED Channel 7 on May 10 at 4 p.m.