The approximately 70 graduates of the two-year program at UW-Richland sent me into a multimedia frenzy May 11 when I delivered their commencement address in Richland Center, about 75 miles west of Madison. I thought I'd share an edited version of the speech to honor all the graduates in our area:

"I couldn't help thinking on the lovely drive from Madison about the very words that name your school and your town: Rich Land. This is a magical place, and you graduate at a magical time.

"Breathtaking technological changes are transforming me from an editor of a newspaper into an editor of a newspaper and a Web site. I see similar dramatic changes just around the corner for you.

"You are blessed with at least two great gifts that are going to help you face those challenges and propel you into leadership roles in your home communities and beyond: Tools and timing.

"Let's take timing first. "Congratulations on choosing the best time since 2000 to be looking for a job. The economy is booming. The stock market keeps hitting record highs.

"A recent article in the Wisconsin State Journal (which you can also read on madison.com/wsj), noted that the hiring of college grads will increase almost 20 percent this year from 2006. The big winners are those in engineering, business, health care and computer-related fields.

"Recruiters told the State Journal that the job-seekers who will command the highest salaries and the best jobs have one distinguishing trait: They are well rounded. Employers are looking for graduates who have had jobs during school, who can communicate, who have leadership potential and who can work on a team. In short, they are looking for the kinds of students who come from this Rich Land.

"Now to gift No. 2: tools. You are THE multimedia generation. You have amazing tools. You watch movies at home via DVDs or TIVOs. And you do this while cuddling your laptops so you can IM your friends and keep your eye on the text messages coming in on your cell phones. I have observed this in my own home.

"The tools will just continue to evolve, and you will need to be nimble enough to change with them. You will need to create the next tool. You will need to build on the technology.

"You face other great challenges. You are coming of age at time of random violence, from Columbine to 9/11 to Virginia Tech. These horrific events will define the rest of your lives and keep you ever vigilant.

"We are a nation at war. We look to your leadership so that this conflict will end. Soon.

"We worry how you will build your lives when you are saddled with student loan payments, starter homes cost $200,000 and health care costs soar.

"You must use your gifts wisely to overcome these challenges. And I'll offer you one bit of final wisdom that is the secret to success. It is simply this: Walk on the sunny side of the street.

"To help you remember this, I'm going to use one of those multimedia tools that you are so crazy about. I'm going to sing a song for you. A singing editor. This should be memorable.

"Grab your coat and get your hat

Leave your worries on the doorstep

Life can be so sweet

On the sunny side of the street

"Can't you hear the pitter pat

And the happy tune of your step

Life can be complete

On the sunny side of the street

"I used to walk in the shade

With my blues on parade

But I'm not afraid

This rover's

Crossed over

"If you never have a cent

You'll be rich as Rockefeller

Gold dust at your feet

On the sunny

On the sunny

On the sunny side of the street.

"Congratulations, graduates.

"Go out and make Richland proud."

Ellen Foley is editor of the Wisconsin State Journal