ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia's 2009 graduating class faces tough economic times as they leave college behind.
But the future will be brighter, according to U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, this year's UGA graduation speaker.
"You will be better off for (the hard times the graduates face)," Kingston told the graduates.
Unemployment is high and the economy is down, but the future will be brighter, Kingston said.
"In the next 25 years, technology will change more than it has in the last 100 years," he predicted.
Leaden skies threatened rain as commencement exercises began Saturday in Sanford Stadium, but soon the sun broke through to shine brightly on the nearly 4,000 undergraduates who received UGA degrees Saturday morning. Nearly 1,200 more students got graduate and professional degrees in a Saturday afternoon ceremony in Stegeman Coliseum.
The Savannah Republican does not represent Athens in Congress, but is still "our go-to man in Washington," UGA President Michael Adams told the graduates and a crowd of about 30,000 family, friends and well-wishers in Sanford.
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Congratulations also go out the the UGA 2009 PharmD graduates who received their doctorates last Saturday at the Ramsey Center. We are so proud of you Ryan!!
My son has got to know that his GA Tech Dad loves him after setting through a graduation ceremony of barking DAWGS. Congratulations Jonathan, BBA-Real Estate.