During Georgia State University President Carl Patton's 16-year tenure, the college grew from a small commuter school into one of the state's leading universities.

Patton presided Saturday over his last commencement. Former U.N ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young delivered the commencement speech, and Atlanta architect John Portman received an honorary degree.

"It's been a great run at Georgia State," Patton said to close out the 90-minute ceremony inside the Georgia Dome. Then he reminded everyone to "be sure to return here to the Georgia Dome [in 2010] for the first football game."

Patton's final act as he left the field was to follow drummers and bagpipe players to the end zone, where he was met by the GSU mascot, Pounce, and presented with a football. Patton held the ball over his head, then spiked it —- slamming it to the ground —- before turning to exchange high fives with those nearby.

Under his guidance, Georgia State University began looking more and more like a traditional college, with a Panther football team and Greek housing slated for the near future. We caught up with Patton, 63, as he prepared to pass the torch to a yet-to-be-determined successor and head into retirement.

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Q: This is your last graduation. What do you think of as your biggest legacy at Georgia State?

A: I always feel terrific at graduation; this is the reason we do it. We host it at the Georgia Dome, and there are 15,000 to 20,000 people there. Looking at my last commencement, I think that's what I am most proud of as I leave —- the number of students we've graduated.

Q: The connection between the city and GSU became increasingly important during your tenure, with construction projects and revitalization. How do you see that continuing?

A: I believe we will continue that relationship, I mean, I don't think there is much turning back. We've worked hard to become a part of this city instead of apart from it, and we're integral to it now. It's been a mutually beneficial relationship.

Q: Looking back at some of the major construction projects on and around campus, talk about which one you think was the most important for GSU.

A: The top of the list has to be University Commons [dormitory]. That put 2,000 students downtown and has changed the nature and the character of downtown and the university. If you let me pick another one, I'd have to say also the Rialto Theatre. That project showed that you can redevelop downtown, and it gave confidence that the city is alive and well.

Q: Speaking of University Commons [at $165 million, the largest privately funded university housing in the country], what has been the biggest change to Georgia State with that addition?

A: The most visible thing is the number of students out on the street, adding vitality. But we've seen an increased attendance at sporting events, at lectures and in the recreation center, particularly. The rec center has seen a 20 percent increase in usage. The city sees them outside of the buildings, but we see them inside.

Q: And looking forward to a new president, what do you think are the most important traits for that person to have to be a success at GSU?

A: Well, I've tried not to get into what a president should be —- that's the Board of Regents' decision. But if you really want an answer, I see someone who sees Georgia State's potential as a leading research university.

—- Staff writer Rhonda Cook contributed to this article.