Western Connecticut State University has held commencement ceremonies.  Graduate students heard from U.S. Senator Chris Murphy on Friday night.  University spokesman Paul Steinmetz says many of those students are about Murphy's age.

Former Governor Jodi Rell addressed undergraduates yesterday.  She told about her experiences as a leader and a public servant. 

Steinmetz says this was the first year the ceremony was held off campus.  Rell spoke to the crowd gathered at Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. The move was made in order to accommodate the  5,000 to 6,000 people who attended the ceremony.  Last year there were also big traffic jams and delays for families making it to the ceremony.

Central, Souther and Eastern Connecticut State Universities all hold their undergraduate commencement ceremonies at either the XL Center in Hartford or at Webster Arena.