On a picture-perfect Saturday morning, members of the Class of 2002, their families, friends and faculty gathered in Delaware Stadium to celebrate personal achievements and mark the University of Delaware's 153rd Commencement.

President David P. Roselle welcomed the approximately 23,000 attendees, congratulating the graduates on a job well done.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge John E. Wallace, a member of the Class of 1964, introduced the featured speaker, his former football coach Harold R. "Tubby" Raymond. When the recently retired Raymond approached the lectern, members of the Class of 2002 rose to greet him with a standing ovation.

One of only nine head coaches in collegiate football history to win 300 or more games, Raymond retired earlier this year after a 48-year career at UD, including 36 years as head coach of the Fightin' Blue Hens.

Addressing the students seated on the field that UD's Board of Trustees earlier named in his honor, Raymond began on a light note, saying he "graciously agreed to let the University use my field for this ceremony."

Raymond expressed his pride and love for UD, which he called one of the nation's greatest universities, and he told members of the Class of 2002 that they are "an academically elite group with a great deal going for you.

"Each class builds upon the accomplishments of those who have gone before, and in the future, your achievements may well shower you and the University with further acclaim," Raymond said.

"Much is expected of you," he said, adding, "Expectations for your continued success are high."

Raymond noted that all is not well with the world, and he counseled the graduates that they should expect some discomfort. "We are at war against invisible enemies; the economy is unstable; new jobs and exciting careers may be difficult to initiate now. It's cold out there," he said.

He reminded the graduates that success is based on self-discipline and hard work. "You don't just win on Saturday," Raymond said. "You win a little every day."

Raymond encouraged graduates to invest strongly in aspects of character, including honesty, ethics, loyalty and spiritual development.

"Don't be afraid to show love and goodness," he said. "Love and respect both your teammates and opponents, whatever your vocation, for they are all being tested, too."

In closing, Raymond quoted author Mark Twain, urging graduates to "throw out the bow lines and sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails, explore dreams and discover.

"Once again, may I express our pride in you and my love for Delaware," Raymond concluded. "May I congratulate you again and wish you the best. May your dreams come true."

Senior class gift

During Commencement, the senior class donated more than $14,500 to create a memorial at the University in memory of the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

Top seniors recognized

Five members of the Class of 2002 were recognized at the ceremony for achieving the highest cumulative grade index in full-time study for a baccalaureate degree.

Recognized at the ceremony by Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, a member of UD's Board of Trustees, were Suzanne Biehn of Asheville, N.C., Eric Gentile of Blackwood, N.J., Mandy Hearne of Newark, Del., Matthew Panzer of Omaha, Neb., and Veselin Stoyanov of Sofia, Bulgaria.

For more stories and photos of Commencement, visit [www.udel.edu/udaily] and click on Commencement 2002 under "resources."

--Jerry Rhodes