Former First Daughter addresses graduates

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Friday was graduation day at Southern Connecticut State University, and the graduates had a very special commencement speaker.

More than 1,200 graduates and their families filled Bridgeport's Webster Bank Arena. It was Southern Connecticut State University's commencement and the speaker there to give advice to the graduates is only a little older than they are.

Jenna Bush Hager admits wondering if she's too young to be giving her first commencement address. But she has seen a lot of the world, some of it from Air Force One, as the daughter and granddaughter of presidents.

"And so to be able to share just what I've done for the last eight years since I graduated and to give a little advice. Not too much. I want to tread lightly when it comes to advice," she said. "I just want to let them know how they can make a difference and I know so many of them already are making a difference."

So while Hager is wondering if she has the life experience to be a graduation speaker, there was one graduate with plenty of life experience. In fact she has a story of meeting Jenna's grandmother when she was first lady.

"I think people of my generation were born in the depression, second World War, just didn't have those opportunities. And then I raised a family, had a busy life in the community," said graduate Genevieve Healey, who is 81-years-old. [Click here to read more]

With several setbacks due to health issues, it took a few extra years, but on Friday Healey graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Literature and Art Appreciation. And she's not the only new graduate in the family. She has a granddaughter graduating from Villanova in two days.

"And I emailed her and I said you and I have a bond, 2012," Healey said. "You the young, and me the old. You'll be starting your adult life and I'll be remembering my life."

The Central Connecticut State University class of 2012 will also be graduating on Friday. Governor Malloy is slated to give the commencement address. The pomp and circumstance begins at 7 p.m. at the X-L Center in Hartford.