FLORENCE -- At around noon on a chilly day, April Denise Ruff and her fellow 2003 classmates, with diplomas in hand and clad in ceremonial cap and gown, emerged one-by-one from the recessional and into the waiting arms of their support systems and the next phase of their lives.

Ushered in to the Smith University Center gymnasium to the traditional graduation instrumental "Pomp and Circumstance," the 23-year-old Bachelor of Science recipient from Columbia and 260 other candidates for degrees participated in fall commencement exercises at Francis Marion University on Saturday.

Delivering the commencement address Saturday, Gov. Mark Sanford challenged the latest FMU alumni collective to "choose to become leaders."

During his speech, Sanford weaved witty anecdotes from life at home with his young sons with allusions to the feats of historical figures the likes of Gen. Douglas McArthur and the Wright brothers and the inspiring feature films "Rudy" and "Remember the Titans."

"I think that if you do these things -- living your dream, focusing on that dream, committing it to paper, being all that you can be, being persistent and serving others -- you'll be a leader, you'll make a difference," he said.

Sanford and Kurt Beck, minister president of South Carolina's international sister-state Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, were both awarded honorary doctoral degrees.

Those honors were bestowed to honor the benefits that have resulted from the eight-year relationship between the states.

Expressing a reserved jubilation at the sight of his Bachelor of Arts hard copy, Ryan T. Bellamy of Little River chose to reflect on a mission accomplished with eyes on the road ahead.

"It's a big milestone for me as well as for my family," Bellamy said. "Four years of hard work, dedication and staying focused -- that's what it's all about."

"The difference between me as a FMU freshman and the man I am today is simply this: I know what I want," he said. "You have to have goals, you have to
concentrate."

Bellamy, a producer at a local news station, said his plans to remain in-state are contingent on the level of professional progress to be achieved in the coming year.

Taking into account the domestic economic climate and adverse job market conditions facing the class of 2003, Ruff, who works as a career transition specialist for the Bamber Job Corps, lends this bit of advice to those that are to soon follow.

"If you know what career you want to pursue after finishing school, try internships, co-ops and other means of networking with people who have already established themselves in that field," said Ruff, flanked by a contingency of family and friends hailing from Columbia, Georgia, Connecticut and Florida.

She said her long range plans call for her to pursue a master's degree and ultimately settle somewhere in the Southeast.

"Don't wait until that year of graduation to pursue these things. You're basically selling yourself to prospective employers, so you want to ensure that you are a good product."