In newspapers and on television, reports of the crises facing the nation are plentiful, said broadcast journalist Keith Kountz, the keynote speaker at Quinnipiac's Commencement Ceremony for Graduate Programs and the College of Professional Studies on May 10.

He advised graduates to stay optimistic as they pursue their careers. The Chinese word for "crisis," he explained, is made with two characters: one meaning danger and the other, opportunity.

"Moving through these uncertain times, there is as much reason to see hope as there is to see peril," he said. "Make optimism the bedrock of your forward-looking strategy."

On a sunny day, with strong winds whipping gowns and blowing off hats and tassels, Quinnipiac awarded 507 degrees as well as an honorary degree to Kountz. A broadcast journalist for 27 years, he was the first African-American to become a permanent, main news anchor in the 6 and 11 o'clock newscasts at any TV station in Connecticut. Today, he is an anchor at WTNH News Channel 8 in New Haven.

Challenges are part of the journey to success. Borrowing a quote from the legendary singer Stevie Wonder, Kountz said, "We all have ability, the difference is how we use it."

"I can tell you from my own experience that you will encounter some setbacks and bumps along the road as your careers move forward, because we all know, no goal worth achieving ever comes easily."

Kountz recounted the difficulty he had landing his first news job. He kept every rejection letter, which eventually stuffed two folders. But he persisted, and made his way to a small station in Florence, S.C. The humble beginning led to a successful career during which he has received numerous accolades, as well as a New England Emmy Award nomination.

"I never let someone else's evaluation of my talents influence my own desire and determination to reach the goals I wanted to achieve," Kountz said. "The key is learning how to accept the setbacks and come back with an even greater will to succeed."

His remarks resonated with Barbara Johnson of Milford, who received a master's degree in journalism and who worked with Kountz during an internship at WTNH. She agreed that you have to make the most of your talents and stay positive.

"The economic outlook is grim, but I think it's going to get better," says Johnson, who is confident she will find a job in radio.

Krishna Vadakuttil of Hamden also isn't deterred by the economy. Now that he has his MBA with a concentration in computer information systems, he plans to start his own consulting business.

"At Quinnipiac, I have learned the latest technologies, and companies are looking to save money by using new technologies," explained Vadakuttil, who has 10 years of experience in the field.

Many graduates felt a sense of relief.

"It was a tough road," said Diane Annibalini of Glastonbury, Conn. She is in the physician assistant program and will officially earn her master of health science in August. "I am one step closer. It feels awesome."

• View a recording of the live Web broadcast of the ceremony.
• View a photo gallery from the ceremony
• View coverage from the School of Law Commencement ceremony, which took place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 10