PORTLAND – A 92-year-old Bates College graduate was among the speakers who addressed 450 graduating seniors and their families on Monday at Bates’ commencement ceremony.

Milton Lindholm of Lewiston was a member of the Class of 1935 and is one of two living people to hold three degrees from Bates, including the honorary doctorate of humane letters he received Monday.

Lindholm advised the 450 members of the Class of 2004 to “cherish the memories, rejoice in the friendships, come back often and keep in touch.”

“You have deep roots here that need to be nourished,” the former admissions dean said.

In a break from tradition, Bates did not have a keynote speaker. Instead, each of the four recipients of honorary degrees gave five-minute speeches during the college’s 138th commencement ceremony.

Biologist Rita Colwell, the former director of the National Science Foundation urged graduates to “be curious, be compassionate, and be committed.” She told them they would not lack for challenges in life.

Colwell noted that the graduates’ college years were marked by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the war in Iraq. During the ceremony, which was held as usual on Memorial Day, she urged support for men and women serving in the armed services.