CANTON – Five hundred forty eight degrees were presented to graduating students Sunday at St. Lawrence University’s commencement.

A total of 519 bachelor's degrees -- 309 Bachelor of Arts and 210 Bachelor of Science -- and 29 master’s degrees were awarded outdoors in Creasy Commencement Commons.

President William L. Fox, in his address, told the graduates that in years ahead, “the river stays with us.”

St. Lawrence University, he said, “has brought you together and it will keep you together. And this may be the most important fact of life you learn today.”

Fox said the “habit of companionship will stay with you. It’s the St. Lawrence way to have friends who are musicians, scientists, and athletes while you are only good, perhaps better at other things. You will have quiet friends and you will have friends whose genius is a social life. They each will edify, support, and encourage you.”

Joseph L. Kennedy, who recently stepped down as president of SUNY Canton, was also among those addressing students and family members.

“Some will tell you to keep your work and life in balance,” he said. “My message is a little different. My message is that you should work so that you can live and not live to work.”

He added, “So go out, work hard, live hard, and try to remember that the really important ‘ah moments’ rarely come except when you are doing something that has a real connection to your soul.”

The five most popular majors this year, according to university officials are, in descending order: psychology, economics, government, biology, performance and communication arts, and history.

In what has become a tradition at St. Lawrence, several students received their degrees from relatives who work at the university.

Students receiving graduate degrees presented by family members included:

• Dorian Ladd, degree presented by her parents, Associate Professor of Education Peter Ladd and Adjunct Instructor of Education Kyle Blanchfield

• Erin Coakley Lassial, degree presented by her father, retired Vice President for Administrative Operations Tom Coakley

Students receiving undergraduate degrees presented by family members included:

• Edward Blewett, degree presented by his father, Professor of Economics Robert Blewett

• Zachary Dupray, degree presented by his mother, Assistant Manager of Catering and Conferences Katherine Dupray

• Danielle Durocher, degree presented by her parents, Head Men’s Soccer Coach Bob Durocher and Fitness Center Director Robin Durocher

• Lindsey Haggett, degree awarded by her father, Library Assistant Paul Haggett

• Noah Jenkins, degree presented by his mother, Director of Planned Giving Anne Sibley

• Patrick Mullen, degree presented by his mother, Counselor Teresa Corbin

• David Pynchon, degree presented by his father, Director of Principal Gifts Tom Pynchon and by his brother, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs Drew Pynchon

• Caitlin Spadaccini, degree presented by her father, Facilities Operations cleaner Allen Spadaccini