[10:45] As

[10:49] we began this amazing celebration, I invite you to join me in amendment of gratitude and prayer. So let's bow our heads and pray.

[10:58] Dear Lord, we are here together to thank you and give you all the praise for every graduate in this room.

[11:03] Their journey has been marked by dedication, growth and perseverance, and today we honor all that they have accomplished.

[11:12] Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities you have laid out, whether that be by friendships, knowledge, or obstacles that they have overcome.

[11:20] We are so grateful for the family's friends, educators, and mentors who have supported them and encouraged them every step of the way.

[11:27] As these graduates move forward into the next chapter of their lives, God them Lord with

[11:33] purpose and direction, let your word be a lamp to their feet and God them down their

[11:37] paths towards their next endeavors. May they walk with wisdom that can only come from you

[11:42] and continue to grow in all that they do. Today is not only a celebration of their accomplishments,

[11:48] but also a hopeful beginning for all the lives ahead of them. We thank you Lord for this opportunity

[11:53] to all gather together and celebrate these graduates and their bright futures in your name we pray, Amen.

[13:54] Thank you, you may be seated.

[14:05] It is indeed a privilege this morning to introduce our Chancellor.

[14:10] Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. has served as Chancellor of Troy University since the fall of 1989.

[14:16] Prior to his arrival at Troy, Dr. Hawkins led the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind for 10 years.

[14:22] He began his higher education career at the University of Alabama Birmingham where he served as Assistant Dean of the School of Community and Allied Health.

[14:32] Dr. Hawkins received the Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Montevallo and he earned the PhD at the University of Alabama.

[14:41] Dr. Hawkins is a proud Marine having served as Platoon Commander in combat and having earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star in service to his country.

[14:50] During his time at Troy Chance for Hawkins has led this institution through an era of unprecedented growth and expansion.

[15:00] Only $400 million has been invested in the campus facilities in Alabama, and Troy's reach has extended

[15:06] around the world even to Vietnam, where over 1,000 Troy students are currently enrolled. Most recently,

[15:15] the Alabama Commission on Higher Education reclassified Troy University as a doctoral institution,

[15:21] and approved Troy to offer both the bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and the

[15:29] for an exciting and vibrant future.

[15:32] The University recently realized it's academic colleges to include

[15:36] a new college of science at engineering.

[15:39] Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming

[15:41] the Chancellor of Troy University Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.

[15:52] Thank you, Dr. Palmer.

[15:53] Thank you for your leadership.

[15:56] It's a pleasure to work with you on a daily basis.

[15:59] Thank you so much.

[16:00] And welcome to the most important day of the year at Troy.

[16:04] actually we have so many graduates in this graduating class that we'll have not one but two ceremonies and so

[16:11] some other colleges will be completing their ceremonies tomorrow and so thank you for all of

[16:19] what for all the folks who are here the families and the friends and it's truly an honor. It's also an honor

[16:26] you know there's an African proverb that says if you want to go far you go alone and fast but if you

[16:32] want to go far together, you know, it takes a team, and we have a great team that

[16:39] Troy University, and that team includes the families and the friends and the particularly

[16:44] the graduates, our colleagues, and I am pleased to tell you an introduced to you the

[16:50] leaders of that team and our board of trustees, some really great people who work closely

[16:55] together and have achieved great things over the many years they've served.

[17:01] I'll introduce all of these special people, if you will, all of you are special, but I'll introduce

[17:06] but a few.

[17:07] And if they'll stand, we'll hold our applause and we could recognize them as a group.

[17:12] But the members of our board include the President ProTM, the Honorable Gibson Vance, the

[17:18] Honorable and Vice President ProTM of our board, the Honorable Ed Crowl,

[17:29] the Honorable

[17:30] to him emeritus the honorable zero dial, the honorable forest ladder, the honorable Charles

[17:37] Nailin and the honorable Freddie Thomas.

[17:42] Our speaker and I'll introduce him in more detail, momentarily, and that is Dr. Lance

[17:46] Tatum who we truly welcome home.

[17:49] He too is a Trojan.

[17:52] Grace Wildberger, thank you Grace, a senior from Oville who delivered our invocation.

[17:58] Our administrative leadership, and I want to thank them for a job well done throughout

[18:03] the academic year, Dr. Keri Palmer, the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

[18:08] and the Provost, representing our academic colleges, Dr. Jutson Edwards, the Dean of the

[18:15] Surrell College of Business, Dr. Fred Figliano, the Dean of the College of Education

[18:20] and behavioral sciences, Dr. Lagiria Carter, the College of Health Sciences. Dr. Govan

[18:29] Menin, the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, and Dr. Mary Ann Templeton, the

[18:35] Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School. Other members of the platform party include

[18:42] Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Fancy Army ROTC, Lieutenant Colonel Kadeen O'Line, Air Force

[18:51] ROTC.

[18:52] I recently elected SGA President and congratulations to Chris Mr. Christopher Hood.

[18:59] And Dr. Shirley Farrell, who is the recipient of the Wallace D. Malone outstanding faculty

[19:06] award who has the honor of carrying the mace in today's ceremony. I also, anxiously, introduced

[19:15] to you, Ms. Jill Taylor, also a Trojan, and she happens to be the first lady of Northwest

[19:21] Missouri State University and the wife of Dr. Lance Tatum. I welcome two, quite a number

[19:29] colleagues from Pike County Schools, the parents, the administrators, and thank you for

[19:36] sharing your students. We have students enrolled in our dual enrollment program that are

[19:42] matriculating today. Last and certainly not at least, but first in my life, and that's my

[19:49] wife Ms. Janice Hawkins. So would you join me and say thank you to these people for what they

[19:55] to this university.

[20:02] Thank you. Thank you. You know the truth, what we do every day and you can't

[20:09] lead if you can't serve and we say often the most important thing we do is to serve our students.

[20:16] You really can't do that though if you don't have an outstanding faculty who work they work hard

[20:22] every day trying to make this university the very best that it can be. We have representatives of our

[20:28] tire faculty, but I'd like to ask those representatives in the arena to please stand and let

[20:34] us say thank you for all that you do to help these students but tricky late.

[20:47] Thank you so much.

[20:50] I hope all of you know that Troy University has, for many, many decades, been in service

[20:56] to our nation's military.

[20:58] And we're very proud of that fact.

[21:01] Freedom is not free, someone has to wear that uniform, often going into harm's way to pay that price so that all of us can enjoy the freedoms that this great country offers.

[21:13] Having been around the world I can tell you there's no place like this place.

[21:18] I love America, but I never love America more than when I'm not in America.

[21:24] When we get out there looking back, we see how blessed we are as a nation.

[21:27] And I hope all of us recognize that, but May is national military appreciation month.

[21:34] And Saturday is armed forces day.

[21:38] I'd like to ask the men and women who have served or are serving and their spouses to

[21:45] please stand up and let us say thank you for defending this great country.

[22:03] Thank you.

[22:04] Thank you so much.

[22:05] And to our graduates, you know, you learn over time that life is a journey and not necessarily just a destination.

[22:12] And we're very proud that you've made Troy part of your life's journey.

[22:17] And within that journey, there are opportunities.

[22:21] You know, in every challenge, there's an opportunity.

[22:24] It's all in how you view the world.

[22:26] Either the glasses half full or it's half empty.

[22:29] And as future leaders in this country, I hope all of you view and the world.

[22:34] You view those opportunities as a glass have full, and then the rest of us have to work hard

[22:40] to make sure that glass is filled.

[22:43] We're very proud of our mission.

[22:45] We're proud of those students who are graduating today.

[22:50] You join a worldwide community of Troy University students in alumni.

[22:55] That is about 175,000 alumni.

[22:58] But we're proud that not only do we offer degrees of value, but we also, I hope, embedded

[23:06] within that, you find value and values, values are at the heart of Troy University.

[23:14] And we won't all of you to be there proud of the degree that you are earning today.

[23:20] And also recognize that that degree is not stagnant in value.

[23:24] it'll increase or decrease over time, and one thing that we challenge ourselves to do is to make sure

[23:31] that the degree is more valuable to Mars than it was yesterday.

[23:36] I hope 20 years from now your degree is even more valuable than it is on this day when you receive it.

[23:43] I want to bring you a gift though, half of our national Alumni Association, and that is one

[23:49] years free membership in our alumni association, it's one year after that I hope that you remain

[23:58] active in the alumni association and work with us to add value to what is a very important

[24:04] part of your future.

[24:06] I'm proud that our alumni are scattered around the world doing great things and I'm also

[24:12] proud to have worked with this gentleman for many many years who is our speaker today.

[24:18] Dr. Lance Tatum, he is the president of Northwest Missouri State University in Marriville, Missouri.

[24:27] And though he lives in Missouri, Dr. Tatum is a Trojan through and through.

[24:34] He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Troy before completing his doctorate at Florida State.

[24:40] And after joining our faculty in 1998, Dr. Tatum continued to work hard.

[24:47] He served in roles, it's his faculty, the Athletics, Representative.

[24:52] But then he rose through the ranks of our university.

[24:55] He was the dean of the College of Education.

[24:58] He was the Vice Chancellor of Global Campus.

[25:01] He was the Vice Chancellor of our Montgomery Campus.

[25:04] And ultimately, he served a senior vice chancellor of academic affairs and our chief academic officer.

[25:13] He consistently threw out his career at Troy Demonstrated the ability to succeed with every responsibility we entrusted to him.

[25:22] In fact, I would say to you, I have not a lot of leaders in certainly Dr. Tatum Rest at the very top of that list of distinguished people.

[25:29] We're proud of him, we're proud that he is here to be our speaker.

[25:35] But I think Dr. Tatum has a humble man would tell you that his greatest blessings have

[25:42] been his wife, Jill, and their two children, Thad and Zoey.

[25:47] Please join me in welcoming home a true Trojan, Dr. Lance Tatum.

[26:02] Thank you, Dr. Hawkins, for the introduction, and also thank you to you and the entire

[26:07] leadership for the invitation back.

[26:11] Jill and I are thrilled to be in Troy over the next two days to celebrate spring graduation.

[26:20] Members of the Troy University Board of Trustees, Chancellor Hawkins, faculty staff,

[26:26] honored guest, proud parents, faculty members, friends, and most importantly, our graduates.

[26:35] Good morning to you.

[26:36] It is a pleasure to join you on what is arguably one of the most important days in the life of a university, and especially in the lives of our graduates today.

[26:48] Commencement is both a celebration and a transition, a moment when we honor success while we look forward with expectation and purpose.

[26:56] It was Helen Keller who reminded us that optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

[27:03] Today is a day of optimism, grounded in what we have done and hopeful for what lies ahead

[27:11] for you.

[27:12] I'm especially honored to be here not only as today's commencement speaker, but also because

[27:17] my wife, Jill and I, as Dr. Hawkins alluded to, are proud, Troy alumnus.

[27:22] And we are examples of how lives can be profoundly shaped by this university.

[27:28] To us, Troy University is not just a place we deeply admire.

[27:33] It's a place that invested in us, the challenge does, and laid the foundation for our

[27:39] professional and personal journeys.

[27:42] Simply put, this university has a way of leaving a lasting imprint on those who pass through

[27:48] these halls.

[27:50] Let me begin by saying congratulations on a job well done.

[27:55] You've made it.

[27:57] All the worrying, the anxiety, and pushing through difficult times that led to this moment

[28:03] have paid off.

[28:05] So today you can pause.

[28:07] You can take a moment to recognize that you have made it.

[28:11] You're here.

[28:12] You're at graduation.

[28:15] Graduates, let me be very clear.

[28:17] I'm talking to your parents today.

[28:23] Congratulations to the families and the supporters of today's graduates.

[28:26] Truly, your sacrifices, your encouragement, and belief in your graduate have helped carry

[28:31] these students to this moment.

[28:33] And for your efforts, I say, a job well done.

[28:37] To the faculty and staff, thank you.

[28:39] Thank you for your steadfast commitment to teaching, to mentoring, and to the success of these

[28:44] graduates.

[28:44] and to the leadership, to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Hawkins, and the Senior Leadership.

[28:51] Thank you for stewarding and institution that prepares students not only for careers,

[28:56] but also for lives of meaning and impact.

[28:59] As John Wooden said, good coaches can change a game, a great coach can change a life.

[29:06] I submit the same as true for great educators and great mentors.

[29:11] to our graduates, congratulations today is truly your day. For you today marks the

[29:18] culmination of years of effort and determination. In this moment we celebrate

[29:22] everything you've accomplished. From the late nights of uncertainty to the

[29:27] early mornings filled with hope and the countless moments in between. Moments when

[29:33] you wondered if you were on the right path. Moments when quitting may have felt

[29:38] easier than continuing, moments when you could have given up, but you chose not to.

[29:45] Today you leave this university prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world around you.

[29:52] You carry with you the very truth that Booker T. Watch and Captured, when he said, nothing

[29:57] ever comes to one that is

[30:00] Worth having, except as a result of hard work.

[30:06] Your achievement today stands as living proof of that principle.

[30:11] As you prepare to leave this season of your life behind, you are stepping into a world that is dynamic.

[30:17] That is complex and often unpredictable. A world that will test your patience, your resilience, and your character.

[30:25] but you are also stepping into a world full of opportunity.

[30:30] I've seen that world from many vantage points,

[30:33] as a student, as a husband, as a father, and as a leader,

[30:38] do in my best to navigate through life's changes.

[30:42] What I can say with confidence is that there is one truth

[30:45] that has remained consistent throughout every chapter of my life.

[30:51] Success rarely comes from having all the answers.

[30:54] It comes from consistently showing up.

[30:59] So today I want to offer you one simple but powerful charge.

[31:02] One that has guided me from the days as a student through my years on this campus

[31:06] and into the leadership roles beyond Troy University.

[31:10] Today I just want to encourage you to show up.

[31:14] I want you to show up when it's hard because there will be times when it's going to be hard.

[31:20] Life does not offer guarantees or shortcuts.

[31:22] You will encounter setbacks, rejection, and moments of doubt.

[31:29] There will be times when your confidence is tested,

[31:31] and your resolve feels fragile.

[31:34] In my own journey, the most defining moments did not occur

[31:37] when things were going well are easy,

[31:40] but when the path forward was difficult and perhaps uncertain.

[31:45] Choosing to show up anyway, to keep moving, to keep learning,

[31:49] to keep engaging that is where you discover who you are and what you are truly capable of becoming.

[31:57] This is where resilience and grit is born.

[32:01] I also want you to show up when it's messy.

[32:04] Your plans are not always going to unfold as expected.

[32:08] Time lines will shift and initiatives will fail.

[32:12] Life more often than not will resist order and predictability.

[32:16] But some of the most meaningful growth, as an educator and a leader in my life, has occurred in moments that were anything but tidy.

[32:25] What I want you to take with you is this.

[32:28] Messy does not mean broken.

[32:31] Messy does not mean defeated.

[32:34] Messy is where innovation lives.

[32:37] Messy is where perspective is gained.

[32:40] And Messy is where transformation begins.

[32:44] Perseverance is born in those messy moments and in Perseverance you learn to achieve

[32:50] despite the difficulties.

[32:54] Show up when no one's watching because that's when it really matters the most.

[33:00] Character is not shaped on stages or in moments of recognition.

[33:04] It's shaped by quiet decisions.

[33:06] Through unseen effort and in the moments when no one is keeping score.

[33:10] I often tell students that talent may open doors for you, but integrity determines how long

[33:17] you actually get to stay in the room.

[33:20] When you hold yourself to a standard, especially when no one else is watching, you build

[33:25] a foundation of trust, discipline, and self-respect.

[33:31] Integrity and character are qualities that will carry you farther than talent alone ever

[33:35] could.

[33:37] I want you to show up when you don't feel like it, because as Eleanor Roosevelt reminded us the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

[33:49] I want you to know and to understand that your dreams are worth your time, your energy, and your unwavering commitment.

[33:57] even on the days when belief in those dreams feels distant.

[34:03] Motivation will come and go.

[34:06] Passion will evane flow.

[34:09] There are days when you will feel tired, uninspired, and uncertain.

[34:16] But that's okay.

[34:17] What matters most in those moments is not how you feel,

[34:21] but what you choose to do next.

[34:24] Discipline, not inspiration is what sustained success.

[34:29] Progress is rarely defined by dramatic breakthroughs.

[34:32] More often, it is built one ordinary day at a time.

[34:36] Through consistent effort, intentional choices,

[34:40] and a commitment to something greater than your current comfort.

[34:45] Over times, those small discipline actions will begin to compound.

[34:49] They will create momentum,

[34:50] Hang on to your dreams, believe in the beauty of what you were building, even when the path

[34:57] feels uncertain, because your dreams are worth it.

[35:02] And finally, show up when the rewards are uncertain, because often they are.

[35:10] Not every effort brings immediate success, not every sacrifice is going to be acknowledged.

[35:16] not every contribution will be celebrated.

[35:21] Truthfully, many of the most meaningful moments in your journey will occur without applause and without recognition.

[35:28] They will also come without any guarantee of return.

[35:32] But that does not mean the work lacks value.

[35:35] It simply means the value is being formed within you.

[35:40] When you choose to continue without external validation,

[35:42] and you strengthen something far more lasting

[35:45] than a single outcome.

[35:47] You strengthen your capacity to persist, to adapt,

[35:51] and to lead yourself through ambiguity.

[35:54] Sometimes the greatest reward is not the outcome,

[35:57] but the growth you experience along the way.

[36:00] Through growth, you build confidence and develop courage.

[36:03] And in those experiences, you begin to understand

[36:06] that you can endure far more than you ever once thought possible.

[36:09] You see, over time, I believe that showing up is going to become your superpower, not perfection,

[36:19] not brilliance, just persistence, again and again and again.

[36:28] That kind of consistency is what creates movements, launches careers, heals communities, and transform lives.

[36:37] graduates, never bet against the person who keeps showing up. Because that

[36:44] persistence, practice day after day is what will shape who you are and what you

[36:51] carry forward. You leave today with a college experience that will you will

[36:56] cherish for a lifetime. But more importantly, you leave prepared and with values

[37:00] that will guide you through every chapter of your life. So wherever life takes

[37:05] Next, into boardrooms or classrooms, studios or start-ups,

[37:12] our spaces yet unimagined.

[37:15] Remember this message, because it truly comes from someone

[37:19] who has benefited greatly from the lesson of showing up.

[37:24] Today, we celebrate what you have accomplished.

[37:26] Tomorrow, the world will begin to see who you are to become.

[37:31] Go forward with confidence, humility, and resolve.

[37:36] Carry toward a university with you, not just merely on your resume, but in how you live

[37:41] and how you serve, and remember graduates, you don't have to be perfect, you don't have

[37:48] to be fearless, and you don't have to have all the answers.

[37:53] What matters, what always matters, is that you keep showing up.

[37:58] Because in the end, it's not perfection or certainty that defines your path.

[38:04] But you're willing to return to try again and to move forward with purpose.

[38:09] So congratulations class of 2026.

[38:13] We are deeply proud of what you have accomplished.

[38:16] And we look forward to the difference you will make in this world.

[38:20] Thank you and God bless.

[38:32] Thank you, Dr. Tatum, your words of wisdom, your focus on hard work, integrity, and the

[38:42] value of passion and everything we do.

[38:44] In fact, it reminds me of the comment made by Woody Allen when he said 90% of winning

[38:49] is showing up.

[38:51] Well said, let's say thank you to Dr. Tatum one more time, please.

[39:02] Well today is indeed a very special day, but for some of our graduates today is especially

[39:09] especially special, and I would like to recognize a group of students on the floor this

[39:13] morning that I think represent what is so unique and special and wonderful and worth

[39:18] celebrating at Troy University. I would like to take just a moment and ask those of our

[39:24] graduates who are with us today. If you're the very first person in your family to ever graduate

[39:29] from college, will you please stand?

[39:48] Thank you. You may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, I do

[39:53] that because I think it illustrates what is truly great about this institution because for

[39:57] these students this morning, walking across this stage, signals not just to change for

[40:03] them but a change in the trajectory of their entire family tree. That's what this institution

[40:08] is all about providing opportunities. And I shared with the graduates this morning before we

[40:13] came in here that when a family of a first-gen student hears their name called, that is a very,

[40:20] special moment, and we don't want to do anything to take away from that. So I would ask for your assistance with just a few things as we prepared to begin this ceremony first.

[40:29] I would ask that you please remain seated to take photographs of your graduate so that everyone around you can see.

[40:35] I would ask that you be moderate. We certainly want you to celebrate but be moderate enough in your applause as the graduates cross the stage that families can hear the names of their loved one as they're called.

[40:45] And then I would ask you to please remain in your seats until the ceremony is concluded and we appreciate you helping us with that.

[40:52] And now graduates, it's a great pleasure for us to confer your degrees.

[40:56] Will the candidates for the Associates degree please stand?

[41:11] Dr. Hawkins, these candidates have completed all requirements for the Associates degree and on behalf of the faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.

[41:18] Upon the recommendation of the faculty and approval by the Chief Academic Officer and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of the Troy University and the Laws of the State of Alabama it's indeed my pleasure to confer upon each of you the associate's degree, which you have earned. Congratulations.

[41:43] Congratulations, graduates. Please change your tassels from the right to the left side of your caps and you may be seated.

[41:51] Well, the candidates for the Bachelor's degree please stand.

[42:07] Dr. Hawkins, these candidates have completed all requirements for the Bachelor's

[42:10] degree and on behalf of the faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.

[42:15] Fundamentation of the faculty and approval of the Chief Academic Officer

[42:19] and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of Troy University

[42:23] and the Laws of the State of Alabama.

[42:26] It's indeed a pleasure to confer upon each of you the Bachelor's degree you have earned

[42:31] Congratulations.

[42:38] Congratulations, graduates.

[42:40] Please change your taxes from the right to the left side of your caps, and you may be seated.

[42:52] Will the candidates for the Master's degree please stand.

[43:04] Dr. Hawkins, these candidates have completed all requirements for the Master's degree,

[43:07] and on behalf of the graduate faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.

[43:12] Fund the recommendation of the graduate faculty and approval by the Chief Academic Officer

[43:16] and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of Troy University and the laws

[43:22] of the state of Alabama. It's indeed a pleasure to confer upon each of you the master's

[43:27] degree. You have our congratulations.

[43:36] Congratulations, graduates. Please change your tassels from the right to the left side

[43:40] of your caps and you may be seated.

[43:48] Well, the candidates for the Education Specialist degree please stand.

[44:00] Dr. Hawkins, this

[44:00] candidate has completed all requirements for the Education Specialist degree on a behalf

[44:04] the graduate faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.

[44:08] Fund the recommendations of the graduate faculty and approval by the Chief Academic Officer

[44:13] and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of Troy University and the Laws

[44:18] of the State of Alabama and some data pleasure to confer upon you the education specialist degree.

[44:25] Congratulations.

[44:30] Congratulations, you may change your tassel and from the left of the right,

[44:34] you may be seated.

[44:39] Well, the candidate for the doctoral degree please rise.

[44:49] Dr. Hawkins, this candidate has completed all requirements for the doctoral degree and on behalf

[44:54] of the graduate faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.

[44:57] On the recommendation is a graduate faculty.

[45:00] And approval by the Chief Academic Officer and by the authority vested in me by the board of trustees of Troy University, and the laws of the state of Alabama, it's indeed my pleasure to confer upon you the doctoral degree. Congratulations.

[45:23] Congratulations once again to all of our graduates. At this time, I'd like to invite Mr. Kyle Gassett to come forward as we present the newest graduates of Troy University.

[45:32] While

[46:28] the graduates who have earned the associate degree, please come forward to receive your diplomas.

[46:37] Joshua Thomas Thompson

[46:46] Christopher P. Newman

[46:57] Carson Beckett King

[47:08] Tamara Shakira Jackson

[47:14] Alyssa Pippons,

[47:22] Annabelle Grandos,

[47:30] Emily Trannum,

[47:36] Lyndon McAdams,

[47:42] Jacob Suzor,

[47:47] Jose Ramirez,

[47:52] Jaden Jones,

[47:58] Grace Vanel,

[48:04] Hannah Rose Jackson,

[48:10] Trayvon Jackson,

[48:17] Kaden Daniel Laird,

[48:24] Cree Townsey,

[48:32] Savannah Nicole Edge,

[48:39] Tyra Lynn Jones,

[48:45] Haley Ray Jacobson,

[48:52] Madison Clare

[48:53] Preble,

[48:58] Desiree Parks,

[49:04] Christopher Padrosan,

[49:11] Jabore Anthony Arnold,

[49:17] Jakore Green,

[49:25] while the graduates who have earned the bachelor degree please come forward to receive

[49:30] your diplomas.

[49:33] Lansalat T. Smith,

[49:45] Maria Curielaro,

[49:53] Janisa Cash,

[50:00] Elijah Andrew Ward,

[50:07] Brad Avery Irwin,

[50:14] Devon James Griffin,

[50:20] Grace Louise Hummel,

[50:25] Catherine Grace Pinson,

[50:33] Ceciliana Dion,

[51:02] Michael

[51:05] Whirlen Tamah Harris,

[51:12] Brianna Paige Lancaster,

[51:18] Adriana Elizabeth Evarts,

[51:25] James Gabriel Albritton,

[51:31] Randall Shane Gasaway,

[51:38] Nicholas Blake Moffitt,

[51:43] Candace Elizabeth Jackson,

[51:49] Noah Daniel Sasser,

[51:55] Caleb Chatfield,

[52:02] Nora Elizabeth Conger,

[52:08] Timothy C. Larson,

[52:15] Avery E. Creole,

[52:21] Rebecca A. Mosley,

[52:31] Heather Katelyn Free,

[52:37] Jorion Christopher O'Kellie,

[52:44] Kimberly Josietta McGee,

[52:53] Lashanta Valentine,

[52:59] Carrington Alexis Grissum,

[53:05] Tyler Bryant Lightner,

[53:10] Cruz T. Fuller,

[53:19] Aurora Rain Hataway,

[53:26] Alexis Dylan Sparks,

[53:33] Spalin Grace Smith,

[53:40] Lily Kate Holt,

[53:47] Laney Grace Kelly,

[53:54] Sarah Ann Morgan,

[54:01] Jamil Ramonzini,

[54:10] Juvon Isaiah Edmunds,

[54:17] Alexis Louise Batiste LaBros,

[54:26] Michaela Cheyenne Allen,

[54:32] Taylor Lynn Kurton,

[54:35] Grinton,

[54:40] Mary Mathis Parnell,

[54:46] Maggie Elaine Edwards,

[54:52] Eva Kathleen Winne,

[55:00] Holly Noel Winchester,

[55:06] Alexandra Ray Potter,

[55:14] Hannahur,

[55:21] Geo Gardner,

[55:28] William Christopher Kelly,

[55:35] Allie Marie McNath,

[55:44] Colin Martin Paramore,

[55:52] Kiraven D. Blunt,

[56:00] Leila Elizabeth Hodge,

[56:07] Caitlin S. Payman,

[56:14] Tyler Lee Koppie,

[56:21] Aslan O'Neill Williams,

[56:29] Timothy Germain Thompson-Junior,

[56:35] Charles Newman,

[56:42] Julian Aden Graham,

[56:51] Mayra Melina Schleiman,

[56:59] Quincy Jamal Miller,

[57:08] William Miles Bady,

[57:15] Tyler Beardon,

[57:21] Zachary Andrew

[57:22] Sheetwood,

[57:28] Jamel Fils Amine,

[57:36] Andrea Victoria Cruz,

[57:42] Kayla Jones,

[57:49] Evan Sophia Tessman,

[57:57] Elizabeth

[57:57] Graceland Carver,

[58:04] Maddox Sandor Holon,

[58:11] Gabriella Gonzalez Torres,

[58:17] Allison Grace Bowman,

[58:26] Kaylee Ann White,

[58:32] Angela Christine McDonough,

[58:38] Caitlin Hurst,

[58:47] Paige Erin Klosterman,

[58:55] Katherine Isabella Orth,

[59:03] Olivia Grace Taylor,

[59:10] Guillom Dante Hurt Senior,

[59:18] Hunter Clark Holmes,

[59:25] Spencer Schof,

[59:31] Solvester Smith III,

[59:39] Sean D. Rankin Spencer,

[59:46] Isabella Edmondson,

[59:53] Darius, Lurel, Nix.

[1:00:01] Damian Taylor,

[1:00:09] Philip Shakwan Lee,

[1:00:20] Dania Giancini, Wilkerson,

[1:00:30] Matthew Thomas Farrish,

[1:00:38] Stephen W. Hicks,

[1:00:46] Gary Oliver Stevens, the second,

[1:00:53] Reed McCain, Bergeron,

[1:00:59] Alante Canyana Drayton,

[1:01:09] Jada Woods,

[1:01:14] Kellan Edwin Humphreys,

[1:01:22] Elijah Lee Gray,

[1:01:29] Lensie Alfred Myers,

[1:01:37] Emily Elisa Isabella Gomez,

[1:01:46] Kamisha Diaja Williams,

[1:01:55] Dakota Tones,

[1:02:01] Kenneth Richard Livermore III,

[1:02:08] Elanchine Dra,

[1:02:13] Elanisha Dra,

[1:02:21] Moira Rayleigh Barnett,

[1:02:27] Taylor Nicole Stacey,

[1:02:33] Kaylee Noelle

[1:02:34] Lodge,

[1:02:41] Carly Grace Bentley,

[1:02:47] Shayla Hobbs,

[1:02:53] Landon Wong,

[1:02:59] Dick Yip,

[1:03:08] Ashton Connor Lee,

[1:03:15] Grant Evan Pelot,

[1:03:20] Logan Adams,

[1:03:27] Justin Wade Fullford,

[1:03:33] Landon Reese Evans,

[1:03:40] William Jet Starns,

[1:03:47] Brooke Eevee Gabriella Means,

[1:03:55] Noah Michael Ayers,

[1:04:01] Emma Page Comkin,

[1:04:09] Jalen Brielle Phillips,

[1:04:16] Quintravion Taylor,

[1:04:22] Alisha Craig Brooks,

[1:04:28] Devon Demore Williams,

[1:04:37] Destiny Allen,

[1:04:46] Olivia Brooke Jackson,

[1:04:54] Danielle Orra Warmsby,

[1:05:01] Nicholas Pesino,

[1:05:09] Lydia

[1:05:09] Great Grace Dabes,

[1:05:16] Adriana Fel Bullard,

[1:05:24] Kayla Reese Scofield,

[1:05:31] Brigitte Elise Chalthen,

[1:05:34] Chalthen,

[1:05:37] Ella Michelle Bryant,

[1:05:45] Lara Casey Barry,

[1:05:51] Lorenzo Eugene Farrow,

[1:06:00] Mary McLearn Zedler,

[1:06:07] Kate Elizabeth Zedler,

[1:06:16] India Shields,

[1:06:23] Jalen Cunningham,

[1:06:31] Katelyn Ashton Easley,

[1:06:41] Quintero D. Jackson Jr.

[1:06:50] Derek Justin Dubie,

[1:06:55] Jay Edison Cadula,

[1:07:03] Whitney

[1:07:04] Hudson Sewell,

[1:07:11] Milana Lynn Sorles,

[1:07:18] Taylor Ann Jones,

[1:07:25] Brooklyn Grace Bynum,

[1:07:32] Keandra Dominique

[1:07:34] Davis,

[1:07:40] Gabrielle Ania Jones,

[1:07:48] Dishina Denise Thomas,

[1:07:56] Imani

[1:07:56] Jinkens,

[1:08:06] Zoe L. Williams,

[1:08:14] Pasha D. Spence,

[1:08:22] Gassenda,

[1:08:22] Lechon Nelson,

[1:08:29] Emily Grace Hyman,

[1:08:35] Riley Brooke Dyke,

[1:08:37] Diocaz,

[1:08:45] Angel Delane Kohli,

[1:08:52] Colton Eugene Pebbles,

[1:09:01] Billy Wayne Murphy,

[1:09:07] Cody Montana Wallace,

[1:09:13] Candice Whitehead Cabral,

[1:09:23] Sean Michael Corcoran,

[1:09:30] Anita Rose Davis,

[1:09:36] Bailey Star Jackson,

[1:09:44] Tamaya Bianca Brown,

[1:09:53] Lenora R. Williams,

[1:10:00] Ella Faith Cuts,

[1:10:06] Madison Elaine McElrass,

[1:10:13] Jaden Alexis Amora McQueen,

[1:10:23] Faith Renee Stodamire,

[1:10:32] Caitlyn Nicole Ledbetter,

[1:10:38] Angelina Catherine Becker,

[1:10:45] Hannah Marie Daniels,

[1:10:54] Stefan Emery Gany,

[1:11:00] Yeray Andres Paster,

[1:11:08] Latasha Rina McAfee Manning,

[1:11:16] Chelsea Marie Ferrell,

[1:11:22] Nicole S. Peterson,

[1:11:28] Thomas A. Gresham,

[1:11:36] Anna Louise McNeight,

[1:11:44] Daniel Pacheco,

[1:11:54] Tatiana Kariskeo,

[1:11:59] Billy

[1:12:00] Ashton Brian,

[1:12:06] Samuel Augustine Bursard,

[1:12:13] Jonathan Luke Gaylor,

[1:12:21] Leah Lorel Decker,

[1:12:28] Carson

[1:12:29] Thomas Jones,

[1:12:34] Kayla Alexandria P. Cooper,

[1:12:41] Malik Deshan Staffer,

[1:12:50] Elizabeth Ulrich O'Donnell,

[1:12:51] Olivia

[1:12:56] Ann Harper,

[1:13:03] Noel Rose Pembos,

[1:13:10] Avery Jewel Royale,

[1:13:17] Alexandra Grace Wilson,

[1:13:23] Katelyn Grace Strickland,

[1:13:30] Michaela Elizabeth Toe,

[1:13:36] Isabelle Rose Brothers,

[1:13:43] Gabriella Noemi Perez,

[1:13:51] Katelyn Joy Shukchaki,

[1:13:54] Zahokki,

[1:13:59] Katherine Elizabeth Moves,

[1:14:06] Emma Grace Darling,

[1:14:11] Emma Grace Dickey.

[1:14:19] Victoria Josette Stutz.

[1:14:26] Paige Ivonne Potomi.

[1:14:32] Kaylin Larissa Hall.

[1:14:43] Avion Jojari Ingram.

[1:14:50] Barbara C. Crum.

[1:14:57] Cassidy Morgan Knight.

[1:15:03] Sarah Catherine Francis,

[1:15:09] Ryan Lee Young,

[1:15:15] Troy Robert Watkins,

[1:15:21] Matthew David Kobe,

[1:15:28] Grace Kelly Norris,

[1:15:35] Joseph Richard Rowland,

[1:15:41] Ethan Jennings Hamel,

[1:15:48] Alexia Grishanan Harbin Harvey

[1:15:57] Christopher McIntyre Perkins

[1:16:04] Crystal Osborne

[1:16:09] Jordan McGee

[1:16:16] Victoria Lynn Edge

[1:16:23] Alyssa desiari Clark

[1:16:30] James Alan Colvin

[1:16:37] Zara Katherine Smith

[1:16:48] Kara Canesia Jenkins,

[1:17:00] Stephanie E. Fletcher,

[1:17:09] Sasha Nicole Johnson,

[1:17:15] Alyssa C. Williams,

[1:17:21] Sydney Kate Sprayberry,

[1:17:28] Emily Grace Hart,

[1:17:35] Josie Carroll Knighten,

[1:17:41] Emily Catherine Newman,

[1:17:46] Grace Nicole Robinson,

[1:17:53] Ivy Marie Fleming,

[1:18:00] Sabrina Williams,

[1:18:06] Ethan Daniel Shellhouse,

[1:18:12] Grace Elizabeth Showhouse,

[1:18:20] Brandon Michael Buxer,

[1:18:27] Joseph Chase Milks,

[1:18:35] William Anthony

[1:18:35] Heuris,

[1:18:43] Noah Christian Holman,

[1:18:50] Elizabeth Grace Alexander,

[1:18:57] William Sydney Brown,

[1:19:03] Aaron

[1:19:04] Grace Wilson,

[1:19:09] Caleb James Hobbs,

[1:19:16] Kyla Nuba Nuvaya Walls,

[1:19:25] Robert Walter Theory,

[1:19:32] Bethany

[1:19:32] Faye Luster,

[1:19:39] Bradford Seth Locke,

[1:19:46] Emma Carroll Mitchell,

[1:19:52] Emma Caroline Henry,

[1:19:59] Ann Margaret

[1:20:00] Red,

[1:20:05] Marlee Carlina Vargas,

[1:20:13] Holly Martinez-Hemiker,

[1:20:19] Madeline Kay Strain,

[1:20:26] Sariana

[1:20:27] Alice Pozzi,

[1:20:33] Alexis Morgan Ubanks,

[1:20:39] Caroline Grace Underwood,

[1:20:45] Mary Grace McEuston,

[1:20:52] Morgan

[1:20:52] Kendall Hancock,

[1:20:58] Aubrey Anne Kelly,

[1:21:04] Cyrus Michael Kelly,

[1:21:10] Loretus Ruby Howell,

[1:21:17] Georgia,

[1:21:18] Loretus, Georgia, Loretus Harrell,

[1:21:27] Kaylee Hugh Hughes, Kaylee Reagan Hughes,

[1:21:47] Kaylee

[1:21:47] Kayden Lee Biggs,

[1:21:54] Madison Carlisle Blackman,

[1:22:00] Zoe Grace August,

[1:22:05] Avery Lynn Han,

[1:22:14] Abigail Grace Robertson,

[1:22:19] Anna Faley Britain,

[1:22:26] Ainsley Till,

[1:22:32] Laura Louise Forkerson,

[1:22:39] Laura Ellen Hayes,

[1:22:45] Alyssa Lane Billings,

[1:22:50] Carson McKay Jones,

[1:22:56] Olivia Faith Moon,

[1:23:01] Mackenzie Renee Daniel

[1:23:08] Jessica Lynn Hollis

[1:23:15] Anna Elizabeth Boyd

[1:23:22] Shaylee Jane C

[1:23:28] Caleb Stanton Kelly

[1:23:35] Rain Patrick Wilson

[1:23:44] Kent Wolf Montgomery Wilson

[1:23:49] Camden Charles Cummings

[1:23:56] Hadley Danielle Clayton

[1:24:04] Haley Alexis Brown

[1:24:10] Lillian Rebekah Billingsley,

[1:24:18] Aisley McNeen,

[1:24:25] Ton Tran Reeves,

[1:24:33] Hannah Margaret Williamson,

[1:24:39] Rukayway, Eise Jeneh,

[1:24:44] Jeneh,

[1:24:49] Jose Daniel Torres,

[1:24:55] Michaela Lee Ann Adams,

[1:25:00] Nam Duak Huang,

[1:25:08] Juan Nguyen,

[1:25:17] Vue and Juan,

[1:25:26] Alaric Donseh Higgins,

[1:25:33] Zikiria Roseman,

[1:25:43] Jamela Solange Jackson,

[1:25:49] Jackson Blake West,

[1:25:56] Brianna Satterfield,

[1:26:02] Aden McDuffie,

[1:26:12] On D Nock Lee,

[1:26:21] We Huang Chun,

[1:26:29] Johnny Cannon.

[1:26:48] Well the graduates who have earned the master's degree, please come forward to receive your diploma.

[1:26:57] Keshap Bunkami,

[1:27:07] Marujil Islam Shanto,

[1:27:14] Taylor R. Dunne,

[1:27:20] Michelle Cassidy

[1:27:21] Dermarco,

[1:27:26] Erica Lawson,

[1:27:32] Aryan Raquel Heitower,

[1:27:40] Camila Nunes Porto Harper,

[1:27:47] Christina

[1:27:47] Zulis,

[1:27:55] Julia Vassar,

[1:28:01] Mia Warren,

[1:28:07] Laura Elizabeth Banks,

[1:28:13] Brianna Tedler, Tedder,

[1:28:18] Yiren Lee,

[1:28:24] Diana Renee Williams,

[1:28:33] Open Heaven,

[1:28:34] Leans Bacy Lawrence,

[1:28:43] Jacob Poole,

[1:28:49] Jacore DeAndre Benjamin,

[1:28:56] Wesley Allen Thornton,

[1:29:03] Megan Shentries Gillen,

[1:29:11] Mary Camel Lepiniam,

[1:29:19] Akril Bakado,

[1:29:26] Sachin Kumar Yadav,

[1:29:33] Run Vajrchkumar Sa,

[1:29:41] Sharama La Bandani, Dari,

[1:29:50] Me here Patel,

[1:29:57] Jamilit Monika, Monika.

[1:30:00] Tiffini

[1:30:07] Jackson Foster,

[1:30:13] Kia Taylor Garrand,

[1:30:20] Shayna Hudson Parker,

[1:30:28] Bashir Alawa,

[1:30:36] Jordan Haley Good,

[1:30:45] Anjali

[1:30:45] Mims Cobb,

[1:30:51] Martina Varliana Brooks,

[1:30:59] Taylor Shay Blomvik,

[1:31:05] Taylor Morgan Mount,

[1:31:11] David Andrew

[1:31:12] Argenti,

[1:31:20] Drakisha Tashonda Hawthorne,

[1:31:32] Karen Garzan Bakarro,

[1:31:38] Laurie Amber Thresh,

[1:31:42] Julian Robert

[1:31:43] Balardi,

[1:31:49] Lakisha Finley,

[1:31:55] Stephanie Denise Morgan,

[1:32:00] Cindy Michelle Worthington,

[1:32:04] Sidney,

[1:32:07] Shayla Don Wilson,

[1:32:14] Erica Stefter,

[1:32:19] Phoenix Bunch,

[1:32:26] Naisha Ashley Harris,

[1:32:35] Tanzia Sharman,

[1:32:43] Jessica Robinson,

[1:32:50] Whitney Bonita Williams,

[1:32:56] Megan Shadron,

[1:33:03] Tamara Bene Rodnex,

[1:33:10] Sarah Lynn II,

[1:33:17] Jessica Ayers,

[1:33:23] Shinnis Bidwell,

[1:33:29] Miranda Masako Zalaya,

[1:33:41] Anthony Pierre Carter,

[1:33:53] Christopher Hampton,

[1:33:59] Tara Henderson Wilbanks,

[1:34:05] Hannah Lofon,

[1:34:10] Hillary

[1:34:11] Catherine Simmons,

[1:34:18] Tiffany Anita Thomas,

[1:34:23] Miranda Gabriela Delion,

[1:34:31] Latoya Revis Weaver,

[1:34:41] Gaiasmo Sharpa,

[1:34:48] Raven Sharis Smith,

[1:34:55] Samir Fapa,

[1:35:05] Salim Maharjan,

[1:35:13] Venkada, Prasana, Tamandana.

[1:35:21] Now, with the graduates who have earned the Education Specialist,

[1:35:24] please come forward to receive your diplomas.

[1:35:29] Erin Foley, Griffiths.

[1:35:42] With the graduates who have earned the doctoral degree,

[1:35:44] please come forward to receive your diplomas.

[1:35:58] Dr. Sarah and Daniel Phelmett.

[1:36:23] Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, it is my honor to introduce General Edward Crowell.

[1:36:30] Troy University has long believed that a life of services among the highest calling of person can answer.

[1:36:37] Our next honoree has answered that call not once, but across every chapter of his remarkable life.

[1:36:44] Brigadier General, Edward F. Crowe retired from the United States Air Force after 35 years

[1:36:50] of distinguished service, reaching the rank of Brigadier General and serving as mobilization

[1:36:55] assistant to the commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base.

[1:37:00] His military career was marked by the same qualities that would define everything he did

[1:37:04] afterward. Discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he served.

[1:37:10] After retiring from the Air Force General Crowell brought that same leadership to the private sector,

[1:37:16] serving as President and CEO of VT Kinetics, a Defense Technology Company.

[1:37:21] He then answered yet another call to service community as Montgomery County Pro-Bate Judge,

[1:37:25] chair of the Alabama Ethics Commission. But perhaps what makes General Crowell's story,

[1:37:31] most meaningful to this university, is his deep and abiding connection to Troy.

[1:37:36] He earned his MBA from Troy State University in 2001 and has served on our Board of Trustees investing in the mission of this institution and in the students who walk across stages just like this one.

[1:37:50] He's been recognized as the YMCA man of the year honored with a highway bearing his name and celebrated throughout the region he is served so faithfully.

[1:38:00] General Crowell, Troy University is proud to count you among our own, and today we are honored to make that bond official.

[1:38:08] Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Brigadier General Edward F. Crowell as we confer upon him the honorary degree Doctor of Laws.

[1:38:32] Chancellor on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I present to you General Edward F. Crowell for the honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

[1:38:39] Thank you, Dr. Pom, for the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, and by the authority vested in me, by the Board of Trustees of Troy University, and by the laws of the State of Alabama, it's indeed a real pleasure for me to confer a doctoral degree upon, generally at cruel. Congratulations, Jim.

[1:39:57] Dr. Hawkins, leaders, graduates, and distinguished guests, I am Lieutenant Colonel Steven Fancy.

[1:40:03] It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this commencement this morning and introduce the accomplished young men and women standing before you.

[1:40:12] These future leaders will serve as commission second latinants in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force,

[1:40:20] as directed by the President of the United States, based on the authority granted to him by the United States Constitution.

[1:40:26] For

[1:40:39] the Army ROTC graduates, Janice Cache will be commissioned as a second lieutenant

[1:40:44] into the United States Army as an active duty logistics officer.

[1:40:49] Her first assignment will be at Fort Bliss, Texas.

[1:40:52] Second lieutenant Cache is from Sartel, Minnesota, and her degree is an interdisciplinary

[1:40:57] studies.

[1:41:10] Matthew Covey will be commissioned as a second lieutenant into the United States Army

[1:41:14] as an active duty logistics officer.

[1:41:16] His first assignment will be attending the Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Lee, Virginia.

[1:41:22] Second Lieutenant Kobe is from Birmingham, Alabama, and his degree is in criminal justice.

[1:41:37] Timothy Larson will be commissioned into the second lieutenant into the United States Army National Guard of Alabama,

[1:41:43] as an engineer officer. His first assignment will be at the 11.50 first engineering support company.

[1:41:49] Second lieutenant Larson is from Huntsville, Alabama, and his degree is in criminal justice.

[1:42:04] Thank you.

[1:42:07] Tantra and Reeves will be commissioned as the second lieutenant in the United States Army

[1:42:11] as an active duty logistics officer.

[1:42:14] Her first assignment will be at the Republic of Korea.

[1:42:18] Second lieutenant Reeves is from Bradenton, Florida, and her degree is in interdisciplinary

[1:42:22] studies.

[1:42:32] And for your Air Force ROTC graduates, Maria Trelea will be commissioned as a second lieutenant

[1:42:37] into the United States Air Force as an air battle manager.

[1:42:40] Her first assignment will be a Tindal Air Force Base Panama City Florida for training.

[1:42:45] Second Lieutenant Treleo is from Cresfieu Florida under degrees in applied sciences

[1:42:49] and resource technology management with a minor in mathematics.

[1:43:00] Madison McAurath will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force

[1:43:04] as an intelligence officer.

[1:43:06] Her first assignment will be a good fellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.

[1:43:10] Second Lieutenant McAurath is from Millbrook, Alabama under degrees in psychology

[1:43:14] with a minor in Spanish.

[1:43:26] Lancelot Smith will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force as a pilot.

[1:43:31] His first assignment will be a Columbus Air Force-based Mississippi.

[1:43:35] Second lieutenant Smith is from Greenville, Alabama, and is degrees in criminal justice.

[1:43:47] As volunteers, these graduates will enter in a unique profession that requires a specialized expertise,

[1:43:52] commitment and sacrifice, a profession that interests these graduates with responsibility of preserving the United States' national security.

[1:43:59] a profession that asks more of its members than any other profession.

[1:44:03] No matter what branch, job, rank, status, all service members belong to the profession of arms,

[1:44:09] and as professionals are expected to hold the highest standards and be guided by our service core values.

[1:44:15] As we sit here today, less than half a percent of the United States population serves in the military,

[1:44:20] and these leaders have stepped up to be part of that group,

[1:44:23] is with great honor that I present to you Troy University's Air Force Second Lieutenant.

[1:44:27] At

[1:44:38] this time, these future officers will render solutes of respect and appreciation to Dr.

[1:44:42] Hawkins Jr., the presiding official of her today's ceremony.

[1:44:53] And secondly, to fellow graduates and guests who represent the American citizens we have sworn

[1:44:58] to protect and defend.

[1:45:47] Ladies and gentlemen let's have one more round of applause for all of our graduates today.

[1:46:08] At this time I would ask that you please stand and join Dr. Sarah Wee and all of our new alumni in singing the Troy University Alma Mater, which is printed on the back of your program, and displayed on the screens here today.

[1:46:28] The Alma Mater will be followed by the benediction offered by Ms. Grace Wildberger. I would remind you once again to please remain in your seats until the platform party and the graduates have

[1:46:37] the arena. Now the Troy University alma mater.

[1:48:18] On this very special day, I invite you to join me in prayer. Let us bow our heads and pray.

[1:48:24] Dear Lord, as we close this special ceremony, we thank you, Lord, for every single graduate in this room.

[1:48:30] With grateful hearts, we lift up these graduates and all that they have accomplished.

[1:48:34] Thank you, Lord, for directing them in each of their lives to arrive at this amendment of success.

[1:48:39] We pray that you would surround them with your peace, lead them with your grace, and continually remind them that you are guiding their every step.

[1:48:48] Thank you, Lord, for every graduate, and we pray their lives be filled with light and purpose that can only come from you.

[1:48:54] In your name, we pray, Amen.

Spring 2026 Commencement: Session 1

Transcript