DURHAM — Hardiness.

It's a quality that tomorrow's leaders will need to thrive in tough times, the president of the N.C. Community College System told newly minted graduates of Durham Technical Community College during ceremonies Wednesday.

Speaking to an estimated 2,100 people at the downtown Durham Performing Arts Center, Scott Ralls said he is confident today's students are up to the challenge.

'I believe that the next generation of leaders is particularly well prepared to deal with these very difficult challenges that we now face,' he told an audience that ranged from crying babies to grandparents with canes.

"The leaders that I know best are community college students,' Ralls said. "And from what I've seen, they are particularly adept at this quality of hardiness.'

Ralls said today's students have faced "a big dose reality' as unemployment has risen and jobs have dried up.

"Your college experience has not been handed to you on a silver platter,' he said. Accomplishments have come "with sweat and tears and a lot of hardiness.'

Ralls said those who have that hardy quality "take stresses in stride, see it as opportunities for development.'

"Perhaps the definition of hardiness is the act of becoming increasingly comfortable with situations that would make other people uncomfortable. And for hardy people, the situation that makes them the most uncomfortable is complacency.'

Among those receiving degrees was Vanessa Bowman-Allen, 31, a university transfer who is heading to UNC Chapel Hill this fall.

Originally from San Diego, she graduated with a 3.75 grade point average. She plans to major in environmental studies at UNC and minor in social and economic justice.

"The feeling of student advocacy' is what she liked most about her Durham Tech experience.

"I feel support from the faculty, staff and fellow peers to do your best, and to really get out of an academic environment all that you can.'

Another new graduate, Lawrence Mayhew, 34, has attended Durham Tech part time for four years while working days as a house and commercial building painter. He hopes to land a job in administration.

Rudolph Bailey graduated with a degree in health information technology medical coding, and is interested in therapeutic recreation.

Landis Strickland, 29, is transferring to N.C. Central University as a junior this fall and will major in accounting after getting his associate in arts degree at Durham Tech.

"My experience has been great,' he said. "The faculty are great. They help you out in all kinds of situations, personal and school business. It was a great experience.'

In an interview before commencement, Durham Tech President William Ingram said being persistent and adaptable are qualities that students will need as they enter the workforce.

Ingram said that despite hard times, he believes the new graduates see a bright future.

"I think college students by nature are optimistic,' he said. "I think that they realize that the future can be better for them through education, and I think this time of the year, when they're coming to the end of their experience at the college, there is a sense of optimism and real excitement about the future. I think these folks are ready to tackle the world.'