CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Thousands of graduates wearing Carolina-blue gowns officially graduated from college this morning.

 

 

The soggy Sunday weather at the University of North Carolina's Kenan Stadium couldn't do much to dampen the spirits of the Tar Heel class of 2008.

 

"It's great," said graduate Ian Kleinfeld. "I'm so glad to be graduating at age 41. Go Carolina. Beat Duke next year."

 

Because of the weather, organizers pared the program down to about 20 minutes, much to the relief of almost everyone.

 

"I'm glad that they abbreviated it," said graduate Christine Craig. "That made it a little bit more bearable being out in the rain." 

 

Even with the shorter ceremony, UNC found a way to honor Eve Carson, conferring a dual-degree in biology and political science on the late student body president. 

 

The school didn't want Carson's graduation to overshadow the rest of the day, but wanted to remember her with a short speech.

 

"Remember Eve. Remember the Carolina way and go. Go. Be the generation of change agents that Eve saw," said 2008 Class President Ashley Shores.

 

Thousands of graduates also showed support for Carson with badges pinned to their gowns.

 

Even some graduates who didn't know Carson say it was important to have her in their class.

 

"She's one of us. So it means a lot to have her included," said Craig.

 

Carson graduated with "highest distinction," and school officials say she earned the degrees herself.

 

Also among the graduates were close to 200 members of the first "Carolina Covenant" class.

 

The program provides virtually free financial aid packages for students coming from families near the poverty level.

 

Members of the first class say the program allowed them to get an education in a way they probably would not have otherwise.

 

"I'm really glad that they started it," said graduate Melvin McDermott III. "I think there are 80 schools or something like that that have replicated it, so I know it's been really successful. I'm glad I'm in the first class to do it. Kind of set the trend for everybody else."

 

The program first started in 2004, and now there are 1,384 covenant scholars on campus.