MACHIAS – State Sen. Kevin Raye on Saturday challenged the 86 members of the University of Maine at Machias’ Class of 2008 to make a difference in their world.

Ray was the speaker for the 97th commencement of the University of Maine at Machias.

“Whether you will be living and working right here in Down East Maine, returning to your home area, or moving to a new place to pursue your careers, you have the ability to help improve your corner of the world,” he said.

Raye noted that his mother, a UMM alumna who was in the audience, had taught school for 38 years and that he knew well the value of education.

“It makes you know that you can aspire to something greater,” he said. “UMM has equipped you with the tools you need to succeed. The rest is up to you.”

Norman Nelson, an 89-year-old Machias selectman, received a Distinguished Service Award recognizing his many years of volunteerism and dedicated service to his community, including four years in the Maine Legislature.

Graduate Evan Dodge of Machiasport delivered the Ivy Oration, an 80-year-old tradition at UMM that was included in the commencement program for the first time this year.

The college also honored two longtime employees during Saturday’s ceremonies.

Bert Phipps of Machias, who had worked as UMM’s librarian for 30 years until 2007, was named librarian emeritus. Richard Paul of Addison, who retired this year after teaching math and math education for 26 years, was named associate professor emeritus of mathematics.