Let’s Hear It For the Graduates – WestConn Takes Over Webster Bank Arena [PHOTOS]

Western Connecticut State University held it's 117th commencement yesterday and took over the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.

Over 800 students received their college diploma's in style yesterday in front of thousands at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.

The location change from the traditional on campus graduation was made after traffic delay's and parking issues made it tough for family, friends, even professors and graduates from getting to the ceremony on time last year. This years venue offered easy access to parking, and almost 10,000 seats so that everyone in the family could attend.

Former Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell was among those offering advice to the graduates as the keynote speaker.

Rell, who also attended WCSU, provided a list of dos and dont's, focusing on how the graduates should continue their studies either in the classroom or real world by always raising questions. She encouraged new graduates to let their intellectual curiosity guide them. Rell said the new graduates should take chances and not let fear guide them into the future.

Having been in attendance for my sons graduation I can truly say that all the speculation that was surrounding the event being moved to Bridgeport, quite a ways from the friendly confines of Western Connecticut State University, was put to rest.

There's was plenty of room for everyone in the family to attend in a climate controlled environment. The parking was simple and it was defiantly easy in, easy out. Congratulations to the graduates and to the University for a great day and a great new venue.