The Herkimer County Community College Gymnasium was packed Friday night with 527 graduates, all receiving diplomas in different subjects and all moving on their different ways.

Friends and family had their cameras rolling, hoping to freeze in time, a moment in their loved one's life that they will never forget. Some say they are happy to be out, others say they will miss the college on the hill, but most everyone said they will have lasting memories.

Anchoring the activities was HCCC President Ronald Williams, who after 22 years delivered his last commencement speech. He says now is the time to move on, but says he will miss the students.

Williams declined to comment about the ongoing issues with the college, and him in particular, as he has been under fire of late about the number of vacation days he used upon announcing his retirement.

Instead, he decided to turn the lime light to the students, acknowledging how hard they worked and how proud he is of each and everyone off them.