By JIM BUTLER

Sixty years ago this week Tom and Darlene Ryder with infant daughter Shannon left Baton Rouge, not exactly busted flat but close enough, driving to New York City the day after LSU graduation.

They knew no one there; Tom had accepted the only job offer he had, and it through happenstance.

Thursday he returned to the city in which he grew up, encouraging LSU Alexandria graduates that their journeys can turn out as well as has the Ryders’.

For most of them there will be no primrose lane. Struggles, setbacks, triumphs are all part of life’s journey. Dealing with each in a positive fashion separates us along the way, to summarize Ryder’s observation.

So what does an icon in the publishing industry as well as a recognized authority on food and wine tell those who ask him how to similarly succeed in a rapidly changing work world?

Ryder’s Five Rules:

• 1. Smile, and do it more than anyone else;

• 2. Work harder than anyone else;

• 3. Help others to succeed, and give them credit;

• 4. Select and retain good help;

• 5. Volunteer to do what others don’t want to do.

Follow them, he told the new degree holders, and success will come.