BY ELIZABETH V. HARDERS

While addressing Old Dominion graduates at commencement Dec. 17, CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston shared some "breaking news" he received via e-mail - a joke asking Santa Claus for a recount of who has been naughty and nice.

Pinkston used this reference to the presidential election to illustrate the never-ending surprises graduates will find as they leave Old Dominion.

"Your inner resolve has brought you to this point," Pinkston said. "Keep that tool with you as you confront the new challenges you will face."

His address was aimed at inspiring the university's latest graduates to strive to be compassionate individuals in a world that is constantly challenging their resolve to be such.

"Problems of all sorts are part of the human condition," he said. "But if we don't show compassion for our fellow human beings, it's pointless."

He also asked the graduates to practice good deeds now and not wait until they are wealthy and can donate money to organizations that help the less fortunate. "You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give."

Pinkston applauded Old Dominion's use of technology, notably the Internet, satellites and CD-ROMs in exploring new avenues for education delivery, and mentioned the fact that the university would be holding a "virtual commencement" the next day for distance learning students at remote sites.

"As students at Old Dominion," Pinkston told the graduates, "you've had a front row seat at seeing these new forms of learning."

Students who completed their degree requirements in August and December were eligible to participate in the ceremony held at Norfolk Scope. This included 2,036 undergraduates and 1,135 graduate students.