Former Governor Philip W. Noel has a powerful handshake. So, too, does former New England Patriots lineman Vince Wilfork.

When the two titans from different fields shook hands Sunday prior to New England Institute of Technology commencement exercises both smiled, and for a brief instant it almost looked like they were arm wrestling. Challenging their strengths have been a trademark of both men, as became evident during ceremonies where they were awarded honorary degrees before a graduating class of 1,194 students at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The commencement marked the college’s 75th anniversary.

Noel expressed surprise and gratitude for being selected for the honor. The former Warwick councilman, who went on to become mayor and then served as governor from 1972 to 1976, applauded the work of the college and particularly its president, Richard Gouse, in an interview prior to the ceremony.

“It’s the type of education we need in this country,” he said. “We need people trained for the jobs that we have.”

Noel dispelled the myth that a four-year college education is the only door to getting a good paying job. He said with rapid developments in technology, especially in jobs spun off by the Internet, colleges need to be responsive to the changes and the needs.

“You can train people to become outstanding in two years,” he said. “It’s a great kind of education.”

Noel said when Gouse informed him that the college wanted to bestow the honor, he brought up his efforts to initiate programs that created jobs and continue to serve Rhode Island today. As governor, he introduced legislation that created the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, the Rhode Island Port Authority and the Department of Economic Development.

Reflecting on his efforts as governor, Noel recalled the creation of the Ocean State Training Academy, which trained 4,000 workers to help build Trident submarines for General Dynamics. It was Noel that brought General Dynamics to Quonset.

As Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian noted in bringing welcoming remarks from the city, Noel’s vision for the state and his leadership are “still paying dividends today.”

Noel also commented briefly on the state of the state today prior to taking his spot in the procession leading up to the graduation ceremony.

He volunteered that he became involved in the gubernatorial campaign of Gina Raimondo because of the “courage” she exhibited in pension reform and her reason to run for elective office.

“She’s getting elected to get things done,” he said. And while legislative leaders have power, he said legislators are part-time and “leadership has to come from the top [the governor] down.”

Wilfork, who talked about growing up and the “doubters” who fired his drive to show he could succeed, was roundly cheered when introduced as a former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion.

In his commencement address, Wilfork told how after the death of his father and mother a year apart he figured he would abandon his dream of playing football. His girlfriend, who went on to become his wife, questioned his decision when he had come so close to the goal.

“Is it worth it? You have to ask that question,” he said. “You can’t be afraid to fail in life…If you believe those doubters, you’re going to be a doubter.”

Wilfork, who has raised more than $1.5 million to help fund diabetes research and education in memory of his father, called the Patriots a “first-class organization” and head coach Bill Belichick the “best coach.” The audience loved it, but it was his declaration, “I’m a Patriot, and I’m always going to be a Patriot,” that brought them to their feet.