Take risks. Find mentors. Discover your passion and inspiration. Keep learning. That is just a sampling of the advice graduates received to help them through what President Lois B. DeFleur called “challenging and troubling times” in her Commencement remarks. DeFleur an...d other speakers offered encouragement and support during Commencement ceremonies, held May 16-17 at the Events Center. “I know as Binghamton University graduates, you will succeed because at the foundation of your education are broad, transferrable skills and experiences that are applicable in many different fields and areas,” DeFleur said. About 2,900 degrees were conferred at the ceremonies. For the second straight year, four ceremonies were held – one for the Graduate School, one for the professional schools and two separate events for Harpur College students.