Amid the pomp and circumstance and well wishes aimed at the college students, one University of Hawai'i student received extra attention.

Jamie Baldwin received a proposal of marriage in the middle of yesterday's graduation ceremony at the Stan Sheriff Center. With her hand to her mouth and tears streaming down her face, Baldwin enthusiastically accepted Chad Geis' proposal of marriage.

Baldwin's family knew before she did. So did university officials, who had to clear Geis' plan to meet her with ring in hand after she was handed her diploma.

"I planned this with a lot of help from the university and her family," Geis said.

"I can't stop shaking," Baldwin said, extending her hand to show off her engagement ring. "I had hoped he would propose by the end of summer."

Baldwin wasn't the only one excited about the day. A sea of shiny faces occupied the basketball court in their green gowns and mortar boards. The 97th graduating class was called the centennial class because the university celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.

"You've worked hard to be here today," said Virginia Hinshaw, chancellor at UH-Manoa. "Remember to refresh your souls out there so you can have happy and productive lives."

That first graduating class at UH had 12 students, Hinshaw said. Yesterday, more than 1,800 students were eligible to receive a bachelor's degree and later in the day nearly 1,200 received advanced degrees.

Students were boisterous, clowning for the cameras and scanning the packed arena for their families. Some had messages glued to their caps. "Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you." Another had: "Peace. I did it. O8. Speech Woo Hoo." And others had sculptures arranged on top of their caps.

Sean Allen shook hands with university officials and accepted his diploma with an aluminum foil shaka hand stuck to the top of his cap.

"I wanted to put something relating to my major, but Don Quixote carrying a Spanish /English dictionary was just too heavy," Allen said.

Like many graduates, Allen was not worried about the seemingly uncertain future that lies ahead of him. He has four years committed to the U.S. Air Force and reports in two weeks to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California as a second lieutenant.

"I'm glad I have a job," Allen said. "I don't have to worry about a job. I'm going to be paid and I have the opportunity to advance myself."

Graduates Juri Fukutome and Megumi Sasada both have jobs lined up in accounting. Had they not, they would have been concerned about what the future holds with soaring gas prices, ongoing military struggles in the Middle East and an economy that may be headed into recession.

"Accounting majors generally have secure jobs," Sasada said. "I feel there are a lot of recession problems going on, but here in Hawai'i, the impact is minimal.

Giving the commencement address was Dee Jay Mailer, chief executive officer of Kamehameha Schools, who applauded the Class of 2008 for its accomplishments and potential.

"The diploma you received today symbolizes your courage, creativity and stamina and everything you've mustered to get here today. It all shows the world what you're capable of achieving."