SELINSGROVE -- In 10 years, if members of Susquehanna University's 2008 graduating class can't remember that the governor spoke at their commencement, he won't blame them.

"I never understood why we had commencement speeches at all," said Gov. Edward G. Rendell, after he commented on his inability to remember his own commencement speaker. "I don't know why we don't just give out degrees and get on with the party. Don't blame me. They invited me."

Rendell spoke Sunday before a packed Garrett Sports Complex audience. As he walked to the podium, the governor and former mayor of Philadelphia was greeted with chants of "E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles!"

After taking a moment to mock his own presence there, the governor offered advice to the 454 graduates.

"Don't let other people define success for you," he said. "In our society, success is generally considered an accumulation of wealth or fame and notoriety. To me, those are false criteria."

He urged the graduates to "set goals, and don't be afraid to fail."

He added, "Too many people lead unhappy lives because they set goals ... and never achieved them.

"People are always telling us what we can't do. Everybody fails."

But, he added, "Don't be impatient because success isn't instantaneous ... All of you were imbued with a great education, a great upbringing. You can do virtually anything -- if you're patient."

Rendell's visit marked Susquehanna's 150th commencement. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh spoke at the university's 125th commencement.

University president L. Jay Lemons bestowed the honorary degree of doctor of public service on Gov. Rendell, citing his long history of public service and dedication to job growth and early education in the state.

The governor closed his speech by encouraging the graduates to do their part to continue to improve the commonwealth.

"So, members of the class of 2008, go out there and do great things. And I hope most of you do them in Pennsylvania," he said.

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