Veronica Ilene Palmer of Brunswick's mortarboard displays an appropriate message during USM's graduation ceremonies in Portland on Saturday.

Chelsea Macleod of Phippsburg tends to her daughter Lela as she and many other graduates listen to the commencement address from former Sen. George Mitchell.

Christian Webb of Old Saybrook, Conn., Julian Howland of Jefferson and Joe Walter of Brunswick share a laugh with fellow biology and biochemistry major Christopher Fitzgerald before graduation.

Sokkha Va of Portland rushes to throw on her gown in time to march with her fellow graduates in USM's commencement ceremony Saturday.

USM president Glenn Cummings addresses graduates.

Ian Adams of Portland adjusts his graduation cap before the USM commencement ceremony.

Former Sen. George Mitchell smiles as he walks to the podium to deliver the commencement address after being introduced by USM president Glenn Cummings.

Christopher Fitzgerald of Scarborough, a biology and biochemistry major, shares a laugh with friends before graduation.

Former Sen. George Mitchell addresses University of Southern Maine graduates.

Hundreds of USM graduates listen to commencement speaker former Sen. George Mitchell at the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday.

At center, from left, Kristin Rowe of Windham, Thomas Tibbetts of Gray, Tyler Truman of South Paris, Patrick Twombly of Presque Isle, and Josh Bernier of Limington, all accounting and finance majors, prepare to march in USM's 136th commencement ceremony.

Soon-to-be graduates from USM prepare for commencement ceremonies at the Cross Insurance Arena.