There was a major milestone Wednesday for students at CT State Community College Norwalk.

Nearly 600 students graduated during a ceremony at Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport.

One professor says students, regardless of what they studied, have received more than just a degree.

"Just being educated opens the door for them to project themselves, express themselves...there's abilities that come with that such as civic duty, internet literacy, communication in all forms," says Jeff Trombetta, professor emeritus.

During the ceremony, two students spoke, including Franck Valdez, a Navy veteran and father who earned a certificate in respiratory care and will continue his studies at Southern Connecticut State University.