Hofstra 2013 commencement

Number of graduates

Roughly 1,300 students with associate's and bachelor's degrees

Commencement address: Harvard economist Roland Fryer told students that purpose is more important than a profit. "Today is about pride, and I couldn't be more proud of you for what you've accomplished. Tomorrow is about purpose," he said. "Stay hungry, stay foolish, stay childish, grow up, but stay childish."

Students' reaction

Sivad Reid, 21

bachelor's degree, social studies and secondary education

Reid, a Bronx native, plans to come back to school in the fall as a basketball graduate assistant studying education and technology. "Our world is changing and has become very advanced when it comes to technology," he said.

Mike Fallon, 22,

bachelor's degree, political science and broadcast journalism

Fallon, of Higganum, Conn., said he has an internship set up with a television station, after which he plans to evaluate his career. "I'm ready to move anyway, do anything," said Fallon, who became interested in journalism in high school and wants to be a reporter.

Stefanie Harris, 22,

bachelor's degree, theater performance

Harris, of Beverly, Mass., said she has directed a show -- an experimental adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" -- which will be showcased in a French festival is Scotland. "I do want to act for a living," Harris said. "I've been doing it since I was very young and it's what I have to offer the community."

Samantha Swank, 22,

bachelor's degree, English and history

Swank of Alliance, Ohio, said she has accepted a job with Scholastic, a book publishing company, as a publishing assistant and will start work in a SoHo office next week. "I want to be an editor and edit books," she said.