(Joe Ybarra Reporting)
It was an emotional ceremony for Welty, who said he shed a few tears, but is happy to be moving on to the next stage of his life.
It was an emotional ceremony for Welty, who said he shed a few tears, but is happy to be moving on to the next stage of his life.
1200 bright eyed hopefuls with tassels waiting to be turned were at the Save Mart Center on Saturday, along with thousands of proud parents, as Welty addressed the graduating class one last time.
President Welty said, "This is a special commencement, I'm graduating with you this morning. I'll never forget all 22 times I've celebrated this passage of Fresno State's best and brightest from the campus to the community."
Welty says he joined Fresno State to make a difference, open to people like Arturo Gasga. "Arturo represents what Fresno State is all about," said Welty.
Arturo grew up in Mexico and moved to the United States unable to speak English. Now he's a college grad and the President's medalist. "It feels amazing, the feelings I'm feeling right now, I can't describe," said Arturo.
He says Welty was a good leader and has mixed emotions about him leaving. "I'm happy that finally he's getting a chance to rest, but I'm also sad because he always provided support to the College of Science and Math at the university," said Arturo.
Welty will be leaving the Valley soon but he says Fresno State will always be a part of him.