Graduation ceremonies held across Rhode Island

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - More than 3,100 degrees were conferred this weekend at the University of Rhode Island.

The school was among several holding commencement ceremonies on Sunday in the state.

Providence College handed out 1,252 diplomas, including 962 degrees to undergraduates and Salve Regina awarded 658 degrees.

Governor Chafee gave the commencement address at URI, telling students to explore the world but to keep the school and Rhode Island in their hearts.

Autism activist and engineer Temple Grandin spoke at Providence College, telling students to tackle the serious issues, such as the nation’s energy problem.

And Newport author Saul Wurman, the founder of the TED conferences, told graduates at Salve Regina that its OK to be curious about one thing for a while, and then turn your attention to something else.