LINCOLN - As he addressed the 204 graduating students at Lincoln College Saturday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. promised his audience that no one will live life without some disappointments and surprises.

Moments later, the Illinois Democrat's microphone failed, and to illustrate his point, he continued his speech without missing a beat.

"I'm a realist," Jackson said. "Life is a set of circumstances over which you do not have complete control."

With the microphone back in operation a few minutes later, Jackson urged the graduates to rise above those problems that will come their way in the future, both on personal and patriotic levels.

"I understand a perfect union is not possible," Jackson said. "I have been married 22 years and I know a perfect union is not possible. But building a more perfect union is possible.

"Some of you will become leaders and as a leader, there is no better role model than Abraham Lincoln, so ask yourself 'What would Lincoln do?'"

Jackson was the keynote speaker at the graduation and also received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the college.

"He has accomplished a great deal in his public service career and he sets an inspiring example of how much can be accomplished in a young life," said Lincoln College President John Hutchinson.

Jackson began service in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1995 and currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee.

But he is also the subject of a federal investigation relating to his interest in the Illinois Senate seat left open by Barack Obama's rise to the presidency. Then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich eventually appointed Roland Burris to the seat. Jackson has said he had conversations with Blagojevich about the appointment, but has denied any wrongdoing.

In addition to those receiving diplomas at the Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium Saturday, another 93 Lincoln College diplomas were handed out at a ceremony at Illinois State University's Center for the Performing Arts in Normal.

On Saturday, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary will hold commencement exercises.