While the 592 undergraduates at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks had their own motivation for completing their degrees and graduating on Friday from the school, Don Conley had extra inspiration for reaching that goal.

After being diagnosed with end-stage heart failure in 2002, Conley received a heart transplant in 2003. As a tribute to the 17-year-old donor, Ryan Bohacek, who died in an automobile accident, Conley said he worked extra hard in the university's Adult Degree Evening Program to graduate.

"We each have our own motivation for investing the time and energy necessary to be here today. For me it was a way to say thank you' to someone I never met for the greatest gift I will ever receive," said the 47-year-old Conley, who spoke to CLU's 45th graduating class during the commencement ceremony

Under sunny skies and with temperatures soaring past 90 degrees, several thousand family members and friends tried to find shady spots in the school's Mount Clef Stadium while cheering on the graduating class, one of the largest for the school.

Conley, of Simi Valley, told the crowd that being a returning student had its challenges, but the journey was well worth it in the spirit of his heart donor.

"I decided since I never finished college and Ryan never had the opportunity to go, that the two of us would get a degree together. Today, I celebrate the fulfillment of that," said Conley, to the cheers of the crowd.

Rev. Scott Maxwell-Doherty, the university's pastor, reminded the students as they fanned themselves with their programs to "think cool thoughts," before CLU President Chris Kimball addressed graduates for the first time as the university's top leader.

CLU's Associated Students President Stefanie Lucas and graduating student Christy Sutphen, granddaughter of former CLU President Mark Matthews, also spoke.

"This is quite a moment for all of you and a milestone that will forever bond you together," said Congresswoman Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, to the graduates before she received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the school.

Later that day, retiring Moorpark College President Dr. Eva Conrad addressed the 383 CLU students receiving master's degrees and eight doctoral degree candidates.

Conley said Saturday that it was another heart-transplant recipient who reminded him that it's not the destination but the journey toward a goal that is important.

"As I think about the years I have spent here at CLU, all I can say is that I've enjoyed this experience more than I can ever express, and I'm truly blessed to be among those graduating today," he said.