It’s to be expected that the Class of 2009 would cheer at every occasion their graduating class was mentioned. That happened Friday as soon as the Community College of Rhode Island students completed filing into the Knight Campus field house for the school’s 44th commencement exercises.

But not as predictable were the cheers when college president Ray DiPasquale asked those assembled to remember service men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan or to acknowledge members of the 143 Wing of the Rhode Island National Guard, dressed in fatigues, who led the procession.

On both occasions the graduates rose to give the military a prolonged ovation. The love for country was all the more underscored by Reham Ali, a student speaker who came to America from Jordan at the age of 20. She graduated with a 3.86 GPA, earning a degree in general studies.

Although not fully conversant with her new language, Ali was a picture of confidence, gripping the sides of the podium and frequently departing from her printed script.

She said she came to this country because she wants to be “an independent woman,” not simply somebody’s wife or mother. She spoke of her reticence to speak English, fearing ridicule and how her teachers have become her friends and “older brothers and sisters to me.”

Ali plans to continue her studies at URI’s Pharmaceutical Engineering program as she works toward her dream of being a pharmacist.

Overcoming adversity, first generations to graduate from college and seizing the opportunity offered in this country were themes echoed by speakers during the late afternoon ceremony. And as has become the custom, Di Pasquale shared the success stories of several students, many of them of conquering obstacles including escape from genocide in Rwanda and Liberia, poverty and disease and desperate home conditions in order to chart courses for themselves and their families.

Retired Chief Justice Frank J. Williams, who delivered the commencement address, focused not on the path traveled so far, but the “more onerous road that lies ahead.”

“We are here to celebrate what truly is the beginning of the rest of your lives,” he said. He urged the graduates to use their knowledge to make a difference and to never become susceptible to the “gotcha” culture of negativity and low self-esteem he blamed on bashing by the media and some talk shows.

Williams offered tips to the graduates, suggesting that they serve their community by volunteering their skills and talents; be civil by mediating disputes and building partnerships; not to jump to conclusions but be thoughtful and positive.

As a final thought, he said, “I believe to be paramount in the race of life is passion – you have to have fire in the belly.”

“In choosing a career, make sure you select one that will leave you endless curiosity, optimism and hope.”

Indeed, the mere mention of the Class of 2009 brought a rousing cheer from the more than 1,550 graduates. Governor Donald Carcieri played off such enthusiasm calling the graduates “the heart and soul of our higher education community in our state.” He also said the graduates are key to the state’s economy and the “backbone to our state.”

Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts echoed that theme saying, “you are the building blocks for our future and our economy.”

Since opening 45 years ago in Providence with 325 students, CCRI has grown to four campuses with a projected enrollment of more than 18,000 this fall. More than 90 percent of those who graduate from CCRI stay to work and live in the state.

Father and son, Frank Caprio chairman of the Board of Governors for Higher Education and Frank Caprio Jr., the state’s General Treasurer, both talked about the importance of family, urging graduates to not lose sight of those who have helped them reach this day of graduation.

“Remember your parents and grandparents, it’s their shoulders you are sitting on today,” said the General Treasurer. His father also spoke of family, challenging the graduates to stretch for goals seemingly beyond their means.

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb because that’s where the fruit is,” he said.