SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Roger Ynostroza, a 1971 Cal Poly graphic communication graduate, distinguished alumnus, journalist, and one of the most highly regarded professionals in graphic communication, delivered Cal Poly's mid-year Commencement address Saturday, Dec 10. Ynostroza addressed the graduates, family members and friends at the afternoon ceremony for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and the College of Liberal Arts, which includes the Graphic Communication Department. Ynostroza is a longtime editor at Graphic Arts Monthly, currently serving as editorial director and manager of special projects for the publication. "Roger gave an enlightening speech about the value of education," said Harvey Levenson, head of the Graphic Communication Department. "He told the audience that he still practices what he learned at Cal Poly, received a lifelong education, and developed the fundamentals of what he called, 'a lifetime of happy work.' " Ynostroza also spoke about his family, including the loss of his son 10 years ago, and urged the graduates to "recognize good fortune in troubled times." He spoke about the importance of giving back to society and advised the graduates to "volunteer, volunteer, volunteer." "One of my biggest fears in life is that I won't be able to get it right," Ynostroza said. He urged the graduates to work to achieve the perfection of "getting it right" while realizing that there will always be obstacles in doing so. "Instead of succumbing to the pressure to say something, come up with something to say. "Take the time to get acquainted with yourself. It's okay to be an anomaly. You can create your own story worth writing and reading, and look to a story worth creating --your story." Levenson noted that it was a special honor "having a printing industry celebrity of the stature of Roger Ynostroza selected to be the Cal Poly's commencement speaker. In doing so, Roger did more than share tremendously important words of wisdom with the graduating class and attending guests. He also created visibility for the printing and graphic communication field in showing that a member this profession has the experience and worthiness to address an interdisciplinary audience on issues of life, values, and work. "Roger was the perfect choice as commencement speaker," Levenson continued, "considering his interdisciplinary background in graphic arts, journalism, communication, English and writing. He is a 'Renaissance man' whose wisdom and insights have been reflected in his Graphic Arts Monthly editorials for decades. My colleagues and I are proud to have one of our distinguished alumni invited back to his alma mater for the prestigious honor of delivering a commencement address."