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MOSES LAKE - The Big Bend Community College class of 2012 entered the gym about 15 minutes late, and retiring president Bill Bonaudi said he knew the culprit.

"It's really everyone's fault here, because so many people succeeded," he said. More than 500 students earned associates degrees or industrial certification, in fields ranging from aviation maintenance technology to welding.

It's also the college's 50th commencement. In those 50 years the college has awarded almost 10,000 degrees, Bonaudi said.

The gym in the Peter DeVries Activity Center was full, as full as it's ever been for graduation, said a passerby - the lower deck of bleachers filled, the balcony as well, and people standing on the second-floor walkway. Professors lined the aisle as the graduates filed in, shaking hand and hugging students; "You go, Teresa," shouted one professor. Families cheered as graduates entered, and one made signs for their graduate's big day.

Bonaudi has been president since 1995, and announced his retirement in February. The Board of Trustees awarded him Emeritus status, the third president to be honored.

Former trustee Katherine Kenison was the commencement speaker. Kenison, who served on the board for 13 years, also was awarded Emeritus status, the fourth trustee recognized.

Kenison recounted a story of her attempts to be well-prepared for any situation, and a horseback ride that showed her the best-laid preparations can fall victim to circumstance (and a mischievous horse). But she also learned something else, she said.

"Everything you will ever need is right here," she said, pointing to her head. Most people have support from family and friends, but the day may come when that support isn't available. Kenison told the students they need to learn to depend on themselves. "Be your own best resource," she said.

Every graduate had a unique story, she said, but every graduate also had something in common. They decided to pursue a college education and invest in their most valuable resource. "You made the choice to invest in yourselves," she said.

"Congratulations, class of 2012. We made it," said Rhylee Ashby, the class speaker.

"Here's to you, teachers, nurses, pilots, electricians, so many more," Ashby said. Big Bend Community College is pretty small, she said, but it provided the base the students will need to succeed.

College "helped me grow in so many ways," she said.

The 519 graduates earned 550 degrees, with some students earning more than one, and the class included 47 Running Start graduates, who earned college and high school credit at the same time.