The job outlook may be uncertain for this year's college seniors, but that didn't stop nearly 2,000 new graduates from celebrating Saturday at Sonoma State University's 42nd annual commencement.

"It's our time to set sail -- it's our time to explore," said Armen Khachaturian, who got a bachelor's degree in business administration and wants to work in wine marketing.

Graduating sisters Razzan and Rim Zahra, who earned master's degrees in English, will enter a doctoral program at UC Davis.

Jonnetta Woods, who got a bachelor's in sociology, plans to become a marriage and family therapist.

"We have more choices than we thought possible," said Jennifer Minnich, SSU's student body president.

About 15,000 people watched Saturday's sun-drenched ceremonies on the Rohnert Park campus.

A morning commencement was held for graduates in the humanities, business and education programs. In the afternoon, graduates in science, technology and social science received their diplomas.

Bagpipers led graduating seniors, faculty and university administrators to their seats at the morning ceremony.

Seniors wearing flower garlands and decorated caps exchanged hugs and greeted their families. One graduate posted a tribute to her biggest supporter on the top of her mortarboard: "4-U Mom."

Others trailed balloons, blew on noisemakers and bounced beach balls.

Retiring University Provost Bernie Goldstein encouraged SSU seniors to kick up their heels. "There are only a few moments in life that are as exhilarating as graduating from college," he said. "I want you to remember this feeling."

Goldstein, who spent 50 years as a student, professor and administrator in the CSU system, said he hopes the new graduates learned to stand by their convictions. "Moments in your lifetime may come when courage can make an enormous difference," he said.

"The test of courage comes when you are in the minority; the test of tolerance comes when you are in the majority. The test of an education comes when tolerance turns to understanding."

Goldstein, who will continue to teach classes at SSU's Lifelong Learning Institute, was awarded an honorary degree Saturday.

Another honorary degree was conferred on Ed Stolman, a Sonoma County businessman who helped create the Lifelong Learning program, which offers university classes for people over 50.

The institute attracted almost 850 students last year and has become a model for similar programs on other CSU campuses.

Stolman, a retired hospital industry executive, urged SSU graduates to continue their quest for knowledge. "Take time to learn for the love of learning," he said.

SSU mathematics professor Bill Barnier and assistant psychology professor Maria Hess received the university's teaching excellence award Saturday.

More than 40,000 graduates have earned degrees from SSU since 1962, according to university President Ruben Armiñana. The university currently has an enrollment of about 8,000 students.