MERRILLVILLE | With smiles from ear to ear and high hopes for the future, 497 Purdue Calumet graduates participated in the university's 42nd annual spring commencement Sunday at the Star Plaza Theatre.

"Now that you're graduating, you're likely to have some time on your hands," said Chancellor Howard Cohen, encouraging the graduates to continue to learn, set time aside for friends and family who helped them along the way, and give time to community service.

Ryan Strode, 21, of Cedar Lake, offered the traditional response for the graduating class.

Strode, who earned a history degree and was named this year's Outstanding Student by the Purdue Alumni Association-Calumet, named the people who helped him as a student.

"I'm sure you have all survived because someone was there to encourage you, to console you or to congratulate you," Strode said. "I truly believe we are the product of the best of those around us."

In all, 694 students graduated from the university this spring.

As Timothy McCoy, of Crown Point, lined up to receive his degree in secondary math education, he expressed a common sentiment among graduates.

"I'm just glad to be done," he said.

McCoy already has lined up a job as an eighth-grade math teacher at Wheeler Middle School.

"I have a little boy, so I'm excited to be out and securely provide for him," he said.

And a thrilled Susan Tallent, of Wanatah, admitted the ceremony was somewhat bittersweet because her son Michael Konicke, of Portage, will be moving to Portland, Ore., to take a technology position.

Tallent expected to rack up some frequent flier miles visiting her son, but she remained upbeat.

"I'll have a wonderful place to visit," she said.