Oregon State University's 139th Commencement was marked by bagpipes, military pomp, colorfully costumed graduates, cheering crowds and one unexpected arrival as hard-earned degrees were conferred to more than 4,000 students at Reser Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

According to OSU officials, during the ceremony, which lasted more than four hours, a female graduate went into labor. She reportedly slipped out of Reser Stadium at about 1:45 p.m. to head to the hospital and later gave birth.

Back at graduation, President Ed Ray touted OSU's worldwide recognition for outstanding

academic programs throughout the event.

However, new life remained a theme of the afternoon, as Ray and the other speakers spoke to the graduates about the importance of creating balance and community in their lives after graduation.

Greg Purdy, president of the Associated Students of Oregon State University, gave students congratulations for the sort of everyday achievement that often goes unnoticed.

"Good job for going to class," said Purdy. "Even though you were exhausted from staying up and studying for mid-terms."

"If you have ever had to overcome any kind of oppression … I would like to take this time to congratulate you on making it to this point and your victory over that oppression," he said.

Purdy also praised students who took care of their health and who were a good friend to someone during their time at OSU.

"It could have made the difference in someone being here today or not," he said.

OSU's honored commencement speaker, Helen Diggs, was a 1985 graduate of OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and is the director of the Office of Laboratory Animal Care at the University of California at Berkeley and vice president of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.

"I hope you can slow this day down and enjoy each moment," said Diggs to the graduates gathered on the field at Reser Stadium.

Diggs recalled advice she was given 23 years ago on her last day of veterinary school at OSU.

Surprisingly, it was not a professional veterinarian's words that touched her life so deeply, but the words of a psychiatrist who visited with the students before they embarked on careers in veterinary medicine.

"His message was about time, our precious time, and how we use those fragile moments that make up our lives," said Diggs.

She encouraged the graduates to remember to make time for the people they love, whether it be parents, spouses, partners or friends.

"It is too easy to deceive ourselves into believing that our work defines us," said Diggs.

Nancy Raskauskas covers weekend events and entertainment. She can be reached at 758-9542 or nancy.raskauskas@lee.net