In a time when college graduates are facing a economic recession, convocation speaker Chris Gardner told UC Berkeley's class of 2009 Friday that happiness lies not in money but in relationships.

"It's time for us to come home to prayers, family and focus," he said to a sea of students dressed in black caps and gowns. "Stuff, toys and things exist but they are not necessary for you to be happy."

Gardner's speech in the Greek Theatre was the finale of the week-long graduation season that saw more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students receive a degree.

Gardner, whose autobiography inspired the film "The Pursuit of Happyness," said that he often slept on the UC Berkeley campus with his 14-month-old son before leaving behind homelessness and climbing the financial industry ladder.

Since then, Gardner has started his own brokerage firm in 1987, has become a philanthropist and has authored two New York Times best-selling books.

"For me to go to where I was to giving this address for you today, I kind of feel like this is my graduation too," he said.

Gardner joked with the 6,000-plus audience, ripping up his prepared speech and even poking fun at himself.

"I was not the first choice to give this address today, maybe I wasn't the second choice," he said. "But I was the only one who returned your call."

Some have criticized the prestige of the campus's commencement speakers over the past few years.

This year, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, author Toni Morrison and mock conservative pundit Stephen Colbert were considered as possible candidates for commencement speaker, but all three were unavailable.

Despite not being the students' first choice, Gardner's inspiring story can relate to students, said Candyce Moore, vice president of commencement for the Californians' Senior Class Council.

Given the current economic climate and its diminishing job opportunities, the Class of 2009 has a prime opportunity to change their perspective on what matters in life, Gardner said.

"In midst of all this chaos and turbulence, there is an opportunity to create a new vision of the American dream," he said, "a new vision that says achieving balance in your life is more important than achieving a balance in your checking account."

Roberta Laub Rode, who received an undergraduate degree in Latin American studies, said that she cried when she heard Gardner's personal story of homelessness and success but she also expressed some doubt at whether all the advice he gave graduates to change the world is possible.

"I feel like I don't have all the instruments necessary to change the world," she said. "It's all very out there and abstract to think about."

Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, who also spoke during the convocation, told students that although many are anticipating a difficult job market, their future remains bright as Cal graduates.

"Berkeley students are innovators and risk takers," he said. "You'd honed these skills in your time with us and I know you will find a way forward.

Gardner urged students to remain optimistic and to "always pursue happiness."

"A lot of other folk will tell you that the sky is falling. I will not tell you that," he said. "I will tell you that those are pennies from heaven. Why would I say that? Because I've seen this movie before and I know how it turns out."

Tags: CHRIS GARDNER, COMMENCEMENT 2009