[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[11:02] On this morning by Ms. Grace Wildberger, followed by the singing of our National Anthem, led by Dr. Sarah Wee.
[11:10] And as is our custom here at Troy, I would invite and encourage all of you to sing along with our National Anthem.
[11:19] As we begin, this amazing celebration, I invite you to join me in the amendment of gratitude and prayer, but as power heads and prayer.
[11:27] Dear Lord, we are here together to thank you and give you all the praise for every graduate in this room.
[11:33] Their journey has been marked by dedication, growth, and perseverance, and today we honor all they have accomplished.
[11:40] Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities that you have laid out, whether that be by friendships, knowledge, or obstacles that they have ever come.
[11:48] We are so grateful for the families and friends, educators, and mentors who have supported them and encouraged them every step of the way.
[11:55] As these graduates move forward into the next chapter of their lives, guide them Lord with
[12:01] purpose and direction. Let your word be a lamp to their feet and guide them down their
[12:06] paths towards their next endeavors. May they walk with wisdom that can only come from you
[12:11] and continue to grow in all that they do. Today is not only a celebration of their accomplishments,
[12:17] but also a hopeful beginning for all that lies ahead of them. We thank you Lord for this opportunity
[12:22] to all gathered together and celebrate these graduates in their bright futures in your name
[12:26] we pray, Amen.
[14:29] As we begin our ceremony this morning, it is indeed a privilege to introduce
[14:33] our Chancellor. Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. has served as Chancellor of Troy University since the fall
[14:40] of 1989. Prior to his arrival at Troy, Dr. Hawkins led the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
[14:47] for 10 years. He began his higher education career at the University of Alabama in
[14:53] Birmingham where he served as Assistant Dean of the School of Community and Allied Health.
[15:00] Dr. Hawkins received the bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Montevallo, and he earned his PhD at the University of Alabama.
[15:11] Dr. Hawkins is a proud Marine, having served as a platoon commander in combat and having earned the purple heart and the bronze star in service to his country.
[15:22] During his time at Troy Chancellor Hawkins has led this institution through an era of unprecedented growth and expansion.
[15:32] Nearly $400 million has been invested into campus facilities in Alabama,
[15:37] and Troy's reach has extended around the world, even to Vietnam,
[15:42] where over a thousand Troy students are currently enrolled.
[15:47] Most recently, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education reclassified Troy University as a doctoral institution and approved Troy to offer both the bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and the doctorate of chiropractic medicine.
[16:02] Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the Chancellor of Troy University, Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.
[16:19] Thank you, Dr. Palmer and thank you for your leadership and it's a pleasure to serve with you and all of our colleagues throughout the university.
[16:29] I bring you greetings, what we often refer to and I know you feel the same that this is the most important day of the year.
[16:37] So I want to congratulate you, welcome you, to what we considered to be Alabama's most beautiful campus.
[16:45] So it's a real pleasure for us to share this special place with each of you.
[16:50] I'm delighted that we have two days of commencement versus one.
[16:55] I don't think we could put everyone in this arena if we had combined yesterday and today.
[17:02] And so it's two days this year that we celebrate all the graduates.
[17:06] This is one of the largest graduating classes we've had in the history of the university.
[17:11] It's my pleasure to introduce to you the stage party and some other special guests recognizing that
[17:18] to us all of you are special.
[17:21] And I want to introduce those folks.
[17:24] Please, hold your pause and we celebrate everyone when we finish those introductions.
[17:30] Members of our board of trustees who work so hard on behalf of our university were delighted
[17:37] that the majority of our trustees could be with us today.
[17:41] The Honorable Ed Crowell, who is the Vice President of our board, the Honorable Karen Carter,
[17:49] the Honorable Charles Neillon, the Honorable Freddie Thomas, and the Honorable Cam Ward.
[17:57] Our speaker and I'll elaborate just a bit on Dr. Tatum, but our speaker is Dr. Lance Tatum.
[18:05] And we're honored by his presence.
[18:07] This grace, Wildberger, is a senior from Mobile who delivered the
[18:12] Envocation and later the benediction.
[18:16] I've been a straightive leadership, and let me thank them for their dedication and hard work,
[18:20] Dr. Michael Thrasher, the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
[18:24] Dr. Johnson Edwards, the Dean of the College of the Serel College of Business, Dr.
[18:30] Fred Finkeliano, the Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and Dr.
[18:36] Legary Carter, the Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
[18:40] Dr. Golden Menon, Dean, newly established College of Science and Engineering, and Dr.
[18:47] Mary Ann Templeton, who is the Associate Provost and Dean of our Graduate School.
[18:52] Other members of our platform party of whom we're prepared, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Fancy,
[18:59] Army ROTC, Lieutenant Colonel Kedeem Ulan, our efforts ROTC, Mr. Christopher Hood,
[19:09] recently elected President of our SGA, and we thank Chris for his good leadership.
[19:13] Dr. Frank Hammond's former winner of the Wallace D. Malone's Distinguished Faculty Award,
[19:20] who has the honor of carrying the University Mace today.
[19:25] But a few other very special guests I wanted to come to mention, of course, the First Lady
[19:31] of the University of Northwest Missouri, Ms. Jill Tatum, the wife of Dr. Lance Tatum,
[19:38] Anna Troy alumna, Dr. Shane Tatum, Dr. Tatum's brother, another proud Trojan, Mr. Jason Grimmett
[19:47] and family, representing the oldest living marine in this country from World War II, 105 years
[19:55] old, Mr. Roy Drakeard, who wanted to be with us to celebrate the graduation of his
[20:01] great niece, our granddaughter, actually great granddaughter, and we're very proud that Jason and his
[20:08] family could be here and we send our best regards to a wonderful man named Roy Drickard.
[20:15] The Sherry Rollins, the administrative assistant to Congressman Mike Rogers, Mrs. Dorian Carlton
[20:21] and family, the State Budget Officer. State Representative Mark Giddly, we're proud to have him here.
[20:28] And I wanted to call too and say thank you and bond voids to the students who are leaving us about 66 who are here representing the one-two-one program that's a partnership we share in China and for two years many of these students have not been home, but I want to ask them to stand and so we can say thank you for your commitment and last but not least.
[20:57] And certainly in my life, as my wife and as Janet's Hawkins, please join me in welcoming
[21:04] all of these people, knowing that all of you are welcome, please thank you so much.
[21:16] Thank you, thank you.
[21:20] We often say that if you can't serve, you can't lead.
[21:24] And that's spelled out very clearly in the book of Matthew, where it's written,
[21:29] I came not to be served, but to serve.
[21:32] I think our faculty is certainly not only a caring faculty,
[21:35] but a serving faculty, and I'd like to ask the members of our faculty
[21:39] without whom the academic enterprise would not occur.
[21:45] Representatives of a much larger faculty, please stand and let us say,
[21:49] thank you for a job well done.
[21:59] Thank you so much and enjoy your next few days before you go back to class.
[22:04] Thank you.
[22:07] You know, the real success of a university is really in the barometer for success is found
[22:12] in its alumni.
[22:14] Our university is nationally and internationally known as Dr. Palmer mentioned, not only for
[22:20] our contributions to the economic growth of several countries around the world, but also
[22:26] the leadership that comes with well-prepared leaders.
[22:29] And I have to say to you, we have a leadership in short supply around the world.
[22:36] And that's why college graduates who are prepared to go into the communities to make a
[22:41] difference or so valued.
[22:42] And I want to thank all of those who are graduating today, you join on a alumni body of
[22:48] 175,000 alumni around the world.
[22:52] I'm very proud to share with you on behalf of the National Alumni Association, a special
[22:59] gift and that is one year's free membership in our alumni association. But the alumni association
[23:07] led by some outstanding alumni of, say this is one year,
[23:16] one year's free membership.
[23:23] After that,
[23:24] we want to continue to act for participation because what you'll discover in time is the value
[23:30] of that degree will not be stagnant.
[23:33] It can either increase in value or decrease in value over time.
[23:38] We come to this special place every day trying to add value.
[23:41] I hope it's more valuable to you 20 years from now than it is today.
[23:46] And that's what we played.
[23:49] Speaking of successful alumni, I'm very proud to welcome
[23:53] home, a gentleman that has served well.
[23:57] He's a product of this institution.
[23:59] Today, he is the president of Northwest Missouri State University in Merrill, Missouri.
[24:06] And although he lives in Missouri, he and Jill, Dr. Dlantz Stadium is a Trojan through and through.
[24:13] He earned both of these bachelor's and master's degrees at Troy, before completing his
[24:19] doctorate at Florida State, after joining Troy's full-time faculty in 1998.
[24:26] Dr. Tatum rose through our ranks, not only as a member of the faculty and in serving
[24:32] as faculty athletics representative because he's a former athlete, he also served as dean
[24:39] of the College of Education, Vice Chancellor of our Global Campus, Vice Chancellor of our
[24:49] Chancellor of Academic Affairs and the Chief Academic Officer.
[24:54] It would sound as if Dr. Tatem couldn't keep a job.
[24:59] But he was so effective as a leader we just kept asking him to do more and so proud of
[25:05] the job that he's done and the service he's providing today in the state of Missouri.
[25:11] He's a great leader but he's a blessing to all who know him.
[25:15] He would be, though, quick to tell you that his greatest blessing is his wife, Jill, and their
[25:21] two children, Thad and Zoey.
[25:24] Please join me in welcoming home, Dr. Lance Tatum.
[25:40] Thank you, Dr. Hawkins, for the introduction.
[25:42] Also, thank you for the invitation to come back to Troy and speak for this graduation ceremony.
[25:49] For Jill and I, Troy, has a very deep place in our hearts.
[25:55] I mentioned yesterday that it really is part of our DNA,
[25:58] and so I just want to say thank you for the invitation to come back.
[26:04] Members of the Troy University Board of Trustees,
[26:07] Chancellor Hawkins, faculty staff, honored guest, proud parents,
[26:13] family members, friends, and most importantly, graduates.
[26:18] Good morning to you.
[26:19] It is a pleasure to join you today on what is arguably one of the most important days in the life of any institution, and especially in the lives of our graduates.
[26:32] Commencement is both a celebration and a transition, a moment when we honor success while looking forward with expectation and purpose.
[26:42] It was Helen Keller who reminded us that optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
[26:49] Today is a day of optimism, grounded in what you have done and hopeful for what lies ahead.
[26:58] I am especially honored to be here not only as today's commencement speaker,
[27:03] but also because as Dr. Hawkins mentioned, my wife Jill and I are proud university alumnus.
[27:09] And we are examples of how lives can be profoundly shaped by this university.
[27:16] To us, to our university is not just a place we deeply admire.
[27:20] It's a place that invested in us, the challenge us, and laid the foundation for our
[27:25] professional and personal journeys.
[27:29] Simply put, this university has a way of leaving a lasting imprint on those who pass through
[27:35] its hallways.
[27:36] Let me begin by saying congratulations on a job well done, you've made it.
[27:44] All the worry, all the anxiety, all the pushing through those difficult times that led
[27:50] to this moment have finally paid off.
[27:54] So today you can pause and you can take a moment to recognize that you have made it.
[28:00] You are here, you are at graduation.
[28:05] Graduates, let me be very clear.
[28:07] I'm really talking to your parents right now.
[28:12] But congratulations to the families and the supporters of today's graduates.
[28:16] Truly, your sacrifices, your encouragement, and belief in your graduate has helped
[28:22] carry them to this moment.
[28:25] And for your efforts, I say, job well done.
[28:29] To the faculty and staff, thank you.
[28:31] Thank you for your steadfast commitment to teaching, to mentoring, and to the success of these graduates.
[28:38] And to the leadership, the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Hawkins, the senior leadership,
[28:43] thank you for studying and institution that prepare students not only for careers,
[28:47] but also for the lives of the lives of meaning and impact that they will have.
[28:53] As John Wooden said, a good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.
[29:00] I submit the same as true for great educators and mentors.
[29:05] To our graduates today, congratulations.
[29:07] Today is truly your day.
[29:10] For you, today marks the years of effort and determination.
[29:14] In this moment, we celebrate everything that you have accomplished.
[29:18] From the late nights of uncertainty, to the early mornings filled with hope, and the countless
[29:23] moments that lie between.
[29:26] moments when you wondered if you were on the right path.
[29:30] Moments when quitting may have felt easier than continuing.
[29:36] Moments when you could have given up, but you chose not to.
[29:40] Today you leave this university prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world around you.
[29:47] You carry with you the very truth that was spoken by Booker T. Washington, who said,
[29:51] Nothing never comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
[30:00] Your achievement today stands as the living proof of that principle. So as you prepare to leave this
[30:06] season of your life behind, you're stepping into a world that is dynamic, complex, and often
[30:12] unpredictable. A world that will test your patience, your resilience, and your character,
[30:19] but you are also stepping into a world that is full of great opportunity. I've seen that
[30:25] from many vantage points, as a student, as a husband, as a father, and as a leader,
[30:32] doing my best to navigate through life's changes. What I can say with confidence is that
[30:38] one truth has remained constant throughout every chapter of my life. That is success rarely
[30:44] comes from having all the answers. It comes from consistently showing up. So today I want to
[30:55] one that has guided me from the days as a student through my years on this campus and into the
[31:01] leadership roles beyond Troy University. Today I want to encourage you graduates to show up.
[31:08] I want you to show up when it's hard because there will be times when it's going to be hard.
[31:17] Life does not offer guarantees or shortcuts. You will encounter setbacks,
[31:23] rejections and moments of doubt.
[31:26] There will be times when your confidence will be tested and your resolve feels fragile.
[31:33] In my own journey, the most defining moments did not occur when things were easy,
[31:37] but when the path forward was difficult and perhaps uncertain.
[31:42] Choosing to show up anyway, to keep moving, to keep learning, to stay engaged.
[31:49] That is where you discover who you are and what you are truly capable of becoming.
[31:57] This is where resilience and grit will be born.
[32:02] I want you to show up on its messy.
[32:05] Your plans will not always unfold as you expect it.
[32:09] Time lines are going to shift.
[32:12] The initiatives will fail.
[32:14] Life, more often than not, will reset and resist order and predictability, but some of the most meaningful growth as an educator and as a leader that I have experience has occurred in the moments that were anything but tidy.
[32:33] I want you to take this with you.
[32:36] Know that Messy does not mean broken. Messy does not mean defeated. Messy is where innovation lies. Messy is where perspective is gained.
[32:50] And Messy is where transformation begins. Perseverance is born in these messy moments.
[32:57] And in Perseverance, you learn to achieve despite the difficulties.
[33:04] Show up when no one's watching, because that's when it really does matter most.
[33:10] Character is not shaped on stages or in moments of recognition.
[33:14] It's shaped by quiet decisions, through unseen effort, and in the moments when no one is
[33:20] keeping score, I often tell students that talent may open doors for you, but integrity determines
[33:26] how long you stay in the room.
[33:28] When you hold yourself to a standard, especially when no one is watching, you build a foundation
[33:35] of trust, of discipline, and of self-respect.
[33:41] Integrity and character are qualities that will carry you farther than talent alone ever
[33:46] will.
[33:47] I want you to show up when you don't feel like it, because as Eleanor Roosevelt reminded
[33:52] us, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
[33:58] I want you to know and understand that your dreams are worth it.
[34:03] They're worth your time, your energy, and your own wavering commitment.
[34:08] Even on the days when belief in those dreams feels distant.
[34:13] Motivation is going to come and go.
[34:16] Passion will be evident.
[34:18] of. There will be days when you feel tired, uninspired, or uncertain. But that's okay.
[34:27] What matters most in those moments is not how you feel, but what you choose to do next.
[34:34] Discipline, not inspiration, is what sustained success. Progress is rarely going to be defined
[34:41] by dramatic breakthroughs. More often it will be built one ordinary day at a time.
[34:47] through consistent effort, intentional choices,
[34:52] and a commitment to something greater than your current comfort.
[34:56] Over time, those small, disciplined actions are going to compound.
[35:03] They will create momentum,
[35:05] hang onto your dreams,
[35:07] believe in the beauty of what you are building,
[35:10] even when the path feels uncertain,
[35:12] because your dreams are worth it.
[35:16] Finally, I want you to show up when the rewards are uncertain, because often they are.
[35:24] Not every effort brings immediate success, not every sacrifice is going to be acknowledged.
[35:31] Not every contribution is celebrated.
[35:35] Truthfully, many of the most meaningful moments in your journey will occur without a
[35:39] clause, without recognition, and without any guarantee of return.
[35:44] But that does not mean the work lacks value.
[35:48] It simply means the value is being formed within you.
[35:52] When you choose to continue, without validation,
[35:56] you strengthen something far more lasting than a single outcome.
[36:00] You strengthen your capacity to persist, to adapt,
[36:04] and to lead yourself through ambiguity.
[36:07] Sometimes the grace reward is not the outcome,
[36:10] but the growth you experience along the way.
[36:13] through growth, you build confidence, and you develop courage.
[36:18] And in those experiences, you begin to understand that you can endure far more than you once ever thought that you could.
[36:26] You see, over time, I believe that showing up will become your superpower,
[36:32] not perfection, not brilliance.
[36:35] just presence, again and again and again and again.
[36:43] That kind of consistency is what creates movements.
[36:46] Launches careers, heals communities and transforms lives.
[36:51] Graduates, I submit to you.
[36:54] Never bet against the person who keeps showing up.
[36:58] Because that persistence practice day after day is what will shape who you are
[37:03] and what you will carry forward.
[37:06] You leave today with the college experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
[37:10] But more importantly, you leave prepared and with values that will guide you through every chapter of your life.
[37:17] So wherever life takes you next, into board rooms or classrooms.
[37:22] Studios are startups.
[37:24] Our spaces yet imagined.
[37:26] Remember this message because it truly comes from someone who has benefited greatly from the lesson of showing up.
[37:36] Today we celebrate what you have accomplished. Tomorrow the world will begin to see who you are to become.
[37:45] Go forward with confidence, humility and resolve.
[37:48] Carry with you a degree that is valuable, a degree based on my life experiences is going
[37:58] to open up doors for you never imagined.
[38:02] So you carry Troy University with you, not just on your resume, but how you live and how
[38:08] you serve.
[38:10] And remember, Trojans, you don't have to be perfect, you don't have to be fearless and you
[38:17] don't have to have all the answers.
[38:20] What matters, what always matters is that you keep showing up.
[38:25] Because in the end, it's not perfection
[38:27] or certainty that defines your path,
[38:29] but you're willing as to return to try again
[38:32] and to move forward with purpose.
[38:35] So congratulations again in class of 2026.
[38:38] We are deeply proud of you, and we look forward
[38:41] to the differences that you will make in this world.
[38:45] Thank you, and God bless.
[38:58] Dr. Tom, Dr. Tatum, Dr. Palmer, thank you.
[39:03] Dr. Tatum is a demonstration of everything he just talked about, hard work, integrity, innovation,
[39:10] the value of passion and all that we do, and it was Woody Allen, who said 90% of winning
[39:16] is showing up.
[39:17] So that was a really a wonderful message.
[39:20] Would you please join me in saying, thank you to Dr. Tatum for those inspiring words.
[39:30] You know, another point of inspiration, and this month we recognize national military appreciation, month, tomorrow, tomorrow, is armed forces day.
[39:45] What you learned in life is freedom is not free.
[39:49] Some few people have to step into that uniform and go into harm's way.
[39:54] I want to thank all those who have served, spouses of those who have served, and those who are currently serving.
[40:04] If you fall into any of those categories, please stand up and let us say thank you for the great country we love.
[40:25] God bless you. Thank you so much.
[40:29] It's clearly a very special day, but for some of our graduates and families today is especially
[40:35] special.
[40:37] I'd like to take a moment to do something to become somewhat of a tradition here at Troy
[40:41] and recognize some of these especially special people.
[40:46] I would like to ask a monk star graduates today if you're the very first person in your
[40:51] family to graduate from college, will you please stand?
[41:10] I'd like to point that out because as we begin this ceremony today, it's important to know
[41:15] that there will be some people in this room that to have their loved ones name called as
[41:21] they come across this stage represents a first in their family's history and I would ask each
[41:26] of us to do all that we can to make that moment as special as we can.
[41:32] I would ask that during the ceremony today that you please remain in your seat to take photographs
[41:37] of the graduates so that everyone around you can see.
[41:41] I would ask is you celebrate your graduate that you would be moderate with your applause and
[41:46] be mindful of the fact that another name is going to be called and it may in fact be one of
[41:51] these that has tremendous import for that family on a large scale.
[41:56] And I would ask that you also please remain in your seats until the graduation ceremony is concluded.
[42:01] and I thank you in advance for assisting us with those.
[42:05] At this time, it's indeed a pleasure for us to certify our conferred degrees upon our graduates.
[42:11] I would ask at this time the candidates for the Associates degree to please stand.
[42:26] Dr. Hawkins, these candidates have completed all requirements for the Associates degree and on behalf
[42:31] of the faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.
[42:36] 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 Troy University, and the laws of the State of Alabama, it's indeed a pleasure to confer upon each of you the associate's degree you've earned. Congratulations.
[42:57] Congratulations, graduates. Please change your tassels from the right to the left side of your caps.
[43:02] Well, the candidates for the bachelor's degree, please stand.
[43:17] Dr. Hawkins, these candidates have completed all requirements for the bachelor's degree,
[43:22] and on behalf of the faculty, I recommend that the degree be conferred.
[43:26] Fund recommendation of the faculty and approval by the Chief Academic Officer
[43:30] and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of Troy University
[43:35] and the laws of the state of Alabama,
[43:37] it's indeed a pleasure for me to confer upon each of you the bachelors degree you have earned.
[43:50] Congratulations, graduates. Please change your tassels from the right of the left side of
[43:54] your caps and you may be seated.
[44:48] Congratulations, graduates. Please change your tassels from the right to the left side of your cats and you may be seated.
[44:53] .
[45:00] Will the candidates for the doctoral degree please stand?
[45:10] Dr. Hawkins, these candidates have completed
[45:13] all requirements for the doctoral degree, and on behalf of the graduate faculty, I recommend
[45:17] that a degree be conferred.
[45:20] On the recommendation of the graduate faculty and the approval of the chief academic officer,
[45:25] and by the authority vested in me by the board of trustees and the laws of the state of
[45:30] Alabama, it's indeed a pleasure to confer upon each of you the doctoral degree, which, you
[45:36] Congratulations.
[45:43] Congratulations graduates, you may be seated.
[45:46] At this time, I would like to invite Mr. Kyle Gassett to come forward as we present the
[45:51] new graduates of Troy University.
[46:47] Will the graduates who have earned the associate degree please come forward to receive your
[46:52] diplomas.
[46:55] Tiffany Smith,
[47:04] Joanna McLeod.
[47:13] Will the graduate degrees who have earned the bachelor degree please come forward to
[47:17] receive your diplomas?
[47:22] Madeline Dion Burge,
[47:29] Anna-Ease Rose Shelley,
[47:36] Selena Charles,
[47:41] Janelle Reed,
[47:46] Jamaya Brianna Ellis,
[47:55] George Simon Brown,
[48:02] Jamir Tadrick Clark,
[48:10] Heather Hewitt,
[48:17] Brooke Chancy Johnston,
[48:24] Renee Bernadette Jacqueline Webster,
[48:34] Danielle Lashay Reyes,
[48:41] Patrick
[48:42] Alexander Farley,
[48:48] Rebecca Faircloth,
[48:55] Kaylee Regina Cantley,
[49:01] Thomas Brant Baker,
[49:09] Jackson Gabrielle
[49:10] Vittal,
[49:19] Desiree Marie Morano,
[49:27] Patrick Lovelaise Jr.
[49:34] Jordan Ellis Curtis Perry,
[49:51] Javonne
[49:55] Jordan Faith Terry.
[50:03] Quenasia Georgia May Brooks.
[50:12] Lisa Ellen Redoskovick.
[50:21] Sidney Elise Simmons.
[50:28] Clayborn Marie Newton.
[50:34] Emily Robbins.
[50:41] Sophie Elise Motz.
[50:48] Mackenzie G. Thrasher.
[50:56] Madeline May Bogdanas.
[51:04] Mackenzie Adia McMillian.
[51:12] Mackenzie Brooke Bryant.
[51:18] Tyrene Devion Cord Robinson,
[51:22] Horday Robinson,
[51:29] Matilda Louise Ziegler,
[51:35] Dom Trong Trong,
[51:42] Erin O'Dell Cherry,
[51:49] Vigia Pierce,
[51:58] Renier Nicole Dawkins,
[52:06] Rachel Leggett,
[52:14] Adriana Nicole Shields,
[52:20] Kira Sky Boris,
[52:22] Baris,
[52:27] Maya Danielle Parker,
[52:33] Timothy Philip Howell,
[52:39] Abigail Spencer B. and Kowsky,
[52:47] Madeline Edith Gromett,
[52:53] Alaina Christine Unkeiffer,
[53:00] Madeline Gayle Greer,
[53:07] Allison B. Adams,
[53:15] Coliby Feaster,
[53:22] Madison Tate Poplin,
[53:30] Taylor McKinsey Cannington,
[53:38] Ethan Douglas Ingram,
[53:44] Harris Martin Black,
[53:51] Michael Brandon McCrainie Jr.
[53:57] Bradley M. Smith,
[54:05] Aldridge Landon Pierce,
[54:12] Jared A. Westelick,
[54:19] Caleb Allen Smith,
[54:25] Ian Todd
[54:26] Maddox,
[54:31] Andy Lauren Kailahen,
[54:39] Mark Regan Carroll,
[54:47] Caroline Lee Hudgens,
[54:56] Caitlin Naira
[54:57] Lewis,
[55:02] Tucker Allen Jordan,
[55:08] Benjamin Scott Holensworth,
[55:16] Quateria Mackenzie,
[55:22] Tiana
[55:22] Burbank,
[55:29] Russell Kelvin Bolwer,
[55:36] Brianna Don Stevenson,
[55:44] Thomas Allen Watts,
[55:50] Ella Marie Weeks,
[55:52] Maria Weeks,
[55:58] Brecha Ann Sizzan,
[56:06] Dylan Charles Blackington,
[56:13] Xavier Scott Phillips,
[56:18] Camden Albert Shockley,
[56:30] Rayma Jane Taylor,
[56:38] Sophia Williams,
[56:44] Ashlyn Kate Wallace,
[56:51] Lashwanda Christine Thomas,
[57:00] Maria Famie, Charles Famie, Gargace,
[57:09] Mia Lendale,
[57:16] Kayla Rul,
[57:23] Janaya Nicole Anderson,
[57:30] Anthony Lewis,
[57:37] Zarea Janay Husky,
[57:42] Dalton S. McClung,
[57:50] Alania Brooke Forehand,
[57:57] Lauren Grace Williams,
[58:04] Ella Grace Brass,
[58:09] Laney Caroline Sabo,
[58:18] Ryan Alexander Kuzaris,
[58:25] Diaja Lejordan Moore,
[58:32] Laken Skyler Stone,
[58:39] Marley Ryland Taylor,
[58:47] Joey Michelle Trapani,
[58:53] Lily Catherine Roberts,
[59:00] Megan Garner,
[59:08] Olivia Grace
[59:09] Radovich,
[59:15] Anna Brooke Rainy,
[59:22] Lacey Rain Robison,
[59:28] Macy McGovern,
[59:34] William Greg Price Jr.
[59:41] Molly Elizabeth Snow,
[59:47] Emily Carson Hartley,
[59:54] Abby Noel Powell.
[1:00:00] Trashan Jekwinton Davis,
[1:00:08] Andrew Leon Bradshaw,
[1:00:16] and Catherine Smith,
[1:00:23] Lauren Catherine Bush,
[1:00:30] Abigail
[1:00:30] Bonsil Griffin,
[1:00:37] Benjamin William Plunkett,
[1:00:45] Laura Nehiz Navarra, Navarra,
[1:00:54] Nubarra,
[1:01:00] Nubarra,
[1:01:05] Genevieve Margaret Sand,
[1:01:12] Madison Nicole Hayes,
[1:01:17] Charlize Joelle Williams,
[1:01:23] Taylor H. Gray,
[1:01:30] Lydia Majer,
[1:01:37] Icy Meg Wallace,
[1:01:43] Leon Jeremiah Jetter,
[1:01:50] Erica J. Armour,
[1:01:57] Angel Shani Collins,
[1:02:06] Faith Elysia Tyz,
[1:02:12] Jane Ashohay, Ashah Yaman-Wen,
[1:02:21] Hope and Marie Yerdon,
[1:02:29] Jasmine Sultana Hoke,
[1:02:35] Victoria E. Hutton,
[1:02:41] Brindley Suzanne Barantine,
[1:02:47] Jada Milan McCord,
[1:02:54] Haley Shalice Jackson,
[1:03:03] Milini Victoria Jones, Melanie Victoria Jones,
[1:03:14] Brandy Elise Smith,
[1:03:20] Isabel Christian Stokes,
[1:03:27] Shantarika Rishan Williams,
[1:03:34] Gil Smith,
[1:03:40] Autumn Allerie Callaway,
[1:03:46] Trinity Callaway,
[1:03:52] Laquisha D. Clion,
[1:03:58] Garrett Lane Hathcock,
[1:04:04] Nathan Parker Braysted,
[1:04:16] Steven Sage Hubert,
[1:04:26] Walker Grant Duncan,
[1:04:36] Caleb Isaiah Power,
[1:04:45] Maurice Fitzgerald Hamilton,
[1:04:54] Trilin Ball,
[1:05:02] Kayla Rogers,
[1:05:09] Lottie McKinsey Lewis,
[1:05:16] Jalen Turek Stewart,
[1:05:23] Owen Wei Simmons,
[1:05:29] Jackson Hayes Mulligan,
[1:05:36] Samuel Kimbrough Magazine,
[1:05:43] Ella Louise Broadhead,
[1:05:50] Aubrey Scott
[1:05:56] Owen Moore,
[1:06:05] Mason Brooke A. Cord,
[1:06:11] Kelly Lynn Hudgens,
[1:06:16] Grayson Olivia Black,
[1:06:24] Carolina Nicole Cheek,
[1:06:30] Madison Claire Cleveland,
[1:06:36] Marley Grace Brown,
[1:06:42] Adriana Ortiz Rodriguez,
[1:06:49] Emma Marbury Williams,
[1:06:58] Shelton Patrick Oroyo,
[1:07:06] Landon Chase Lee,
[1:07:12] Steven Murray,
[1:07:18] Parker Keith Sessions,
[1:07:25] Jackson Branham Hollingsworth,
[1:07:32] Dylan Carr,
[1:07:39] Abby Rick's
[1:07:40] Chandler,
[1:07:45] Millie Hart Hall,
[1:07:52] Emma Elise Taylor,
[1:07:59] Katherine Grace Gleys,
[1:08:06] Emma Thompson,
[1:08:13] Lauren
[1:08:14] Robert Faes-Rumman, Rameen,
[1:08:21] Eva Bradley Levera,
[1:08:27] Abby Grace Jones,
[1:08:35] Rihanna Majers,
[1:08:40] Carolyn Grace Berg,
[1:08:47] Marvin Dell Daniels,
[1:08:54] Deborah Lynn Crawford,
[1:09:00] Samantha Morgan Smith,
[1:09:07] Madison Claire Henley,
[1:09:15] Stasia Alexandria, Samarlin Carter,
[1:09:24] Allison Grace Colquit,
[1:09:30] Diedra Lashay Smith,
[1:09:38] Colin J. Lebsak,
[1:09:46] Gretchen Dequilia Whitlow,
[1:09:54] Narissa Deschon Clay,
[1:09:57] Deschana Clay,
[1:10:01] Drew Bryant Edwards,
[1:10:08] Evan Kramer,
[1:10:14] Turner Brooklyn Sneed,
[1:10:21] Sylvia
[1:10:21] Woody,
[1:10:28] Allison Lynn Robble,
[1:10:36] Natalie Grace Thie White, Thie Wheat,
[1:10:43] Elizabeth Ann
[1:10:44] Flowers
[1:10:47] Emma Claire Flowers
[1:10:55] Clara Jane Bradley
[1:11:02] Madeline Joey Stevens
[1:11:11] Anna Elizabeth
[1:11:12] Harold Thornton
[1:11:19] Naraya Monet Harris
[1:11:28] Annie Kate Riley
[1:11:35] Madison Bailey smart
[1:11:37] Rhodes
[1:11:42] Santana Hales
[1:11:48] Haley C Carter
[1:11:54] Amanda L. Daily
[1:12:00] Jackson Hall
[1:12:06] Jaden Alexis Stevenson,
[1:12:14] Amaya Christian Butler,
[1:12:21] Bailey Ramaya Foster,
[1:12:28] Laila E. Reynolds,
[1:12:34] Kelsey Williams,
[1:12:41] Isaiah Alexander Thomas,
[1:12:48] Makayela Michiela,
[1:12:50] Janay Jackson,
[1:12:56] Kelvin Janard Ray Jr.,
[1:13:02] Corey Lamar Wise,
[1:13:11] Caitlin Tamia Jackson,
[1:13:20] Zikiria Elizabeth Shankal Jordan,
[1:13:29] Taj Jordan,
[1:13:34] Jalen Michael Eason,
[1:13:41] Brooklyn Don Willis,
[1:13:47] Reagan Rebecca Simmons,
[1:13:53] Laura D. Fell,
[1:14:00] Elizabeth Colleen Alvarado,
[1:14:07] Jaden Juarez,
[1:14:14] Martia Janay Jermany,
[1:14:22] Shaheen Alan Gray,
[1:14:30] Kourizma Monet Lidel,
[1:14:39] Jadia Shannon Lowry,
[1:14:47] Billis Denise Dickens,
[1:14:54] Alani Smith Pinkard.
[1:15:00] Darius Christopher Boykin,
[1:15:08] Kenley Reese Craig,
[1:15:15] Noah Stefan Wright,
[1:15:26] Reagan Lawson Robinette,
[1:15:32] Landon Curtis Stel,
[1:15:40] Alexander C. Bending,
[1:15:47] Ethan Ryan Hunt,
[1:15:53] James Colby Dave,
[1:16:00] Zayway Count,
[1:16:08] Alexis Page Phelps,
[1:16:16] Shelby Lynn Barnes,
[1:16:25] Avery Marie Deering,
[1:16:30] Samantha Lay Taylor,
[1:16:40] John Sebastian Alloway,
[1:16:47] John Ray Edward Ingram,
[1:16:53] Catherine Marie Boseman,
[1:17:00] Chasney Peyton Livermore,
[1:17:06] Jason Allerick Barney,
[1:17:13] Jasmine Virginia Aronda,
[1:17:20] Jasmine Nicole
[1:17:21] Blackman,
[1:17:28] Hannah Cynthia Baker,
[1:17:35] Anna Lauren Godby here,
[1:17:46] Eva Devea,
[1:17:52] Laura Fangmire,
[1:17:57] Katelyn Jane Altries,
[1:18:07] Matthew Ryan Dennis,
[1:18:12] Ellison Grace Laney,
[1:18:18] Marin Elizabeth Settle,
[1:18:24] Olivia May Grantum,
[1:18:31] Malia Carolyn Howe,
[1:18:38] Samuel Joshua Smith,
[1:18:43] Alyssa Nicole Wood,
[1:18:51] Taylor Lane Rushing,
[1:18:59] Sadie Catherine Land,
[1:19:06] Megan Lothis,
[1:19:14] Delana Latrice Smith,
[1:19:20] Lily Catherine Gibbons,
[1:19:28] Macy Nicole Walden,
[1:19:36] Madison L. Missla,
[1:19:44] Taylor Rooner,
[1:19:51] Mary
[1:19:51] McKenna Cooper,
[1:19:58] Cambridge Addison Russell,
[1:20:05] Carly Morgan Glover,
[1:20:12] Rachel Sandra Ruos,
[1:20:19] Sarah
[1:20:19] Katherine Moves,
[1:20:25] Peggy Ann Key,
[1:20:31] Taylor Marie Holba,
[1:20:40] Jain James Rashird, Rashard,
[1:20:47] Kaylee Elizabeth Matheson,
[1:20:54] Jasmine Nicole Wright,
[1:20:57] Jamison, Jamison Nicole Wright,
[1:21:03] Tanner Ray Wells,
[1:21:09] Destiny Michelle Serrano,
[1:21:17] Kalandra Lequie Floyd,
[1:21:23] Addison McCell Parker,
[1:21:31] Haley Brooke Smedley,
[1:21:38] Chloe Dorel,
[1:21:45] Haley Madison Pickren,
[1:21:53] Courtney Ryan Adams,
[1:22:01] Emma Katherine Dixon,
[1:22:07] Darby Renee L.
[1:22:14] Lydia and McConnell,
[1:22:21] Emma R. Rollins,
[1:22:28] Jordan Lee Bowland,
[1:22:36] Fishana Monet Edwards,
[1:22:42] Savannah Gillis,
[1:22:50] Kyria Alania Southwell,
[1:22:59] Abigail Leanne Steinmez,
[1:23:05] Emily Grace Fickers,
[1:23:11] Peyton McKenzie Wells,
[1:23:19] Alexander Jacob Lee Quigley,
[1:23:26] Brittany Kay Pachaco Medina,
[1:23:34] Reagan Ashley Lawrence,
[1:23:40] Allison Kate Sipper,
[1:23:47] Knitney Marie, Knitney Marie Vega Painter,
[1:23:56] Mahogany Isabella Smith,
[1:24:04] Tamira Joy Trimble,
[1:24:11] Alana Trenay Gordon,
[1:24:18] Hannah L. Peevy,
[1:24:25] Kimbria Vaan Fimbo,
[1:24:32] Anthony Austin Granger,
[1:24:40] Alena Lindsay McLean,
[1:24:49] Will the graduates who have earned the Master's degree please come forward to receive
[1:24:53] your diploma.
[1:25:01] Morgan Matthews Stucky,
[1:25:08] Haley Elizabeth Nelson,
[1:25:17] Sarah Garrity Petis,
[1:25:23] Christine Don Giongou-Kabebe.
[1:25:34] Pratigia Kothle.
[1:25:42] Palavi Shakaya.
[1:25:49] Veshen Komo Tamong.
[1:25:56] Mira Gupta.
[1:26:03] Leah Nicole Bowlin.
[1:26:09] Zaiyu Wang.
[1:26:17] Pusley Todd.
[1:26:27] Talisha Rishel Jones Harris.
[1:26:36] Brittany Fletcher West.
[1:26:43] Walter Dumund Moore.
[1:26:50] M. Ron Jamal Basden, Basden,
[1:27:00] Mary Francis Gainy,
[1:27:05] Carrie Little,
[1:27:13] Jessica Layton,
[1:27:19] Shelby Baumgartner,
[1:27:25] Olivia Thurman Bobo,
[1:27:31] Jennifer Lee Wyatt,
[1:27:40] Madison Elise Bright,
[1:27:47] Alicia Joe Burns,
[1:27:55] Taylor Chapo,
[1:28:02] Rosamon Dhehati,
[1:28:09] Ryan Douglas Cass,
[1:28:15] Annemory Penhalo,
[1:28:23] Caitlyn Brianna Smith,
[1:28:30] Margaret Torres Rojas,
[1:28:38] Cynthia Nilele Rocher,
[1:28:45] Julia Grace Faso,
[1:28:52] Taylor Renee Jones,
[1:28:58] Katherine Anne Rarrick,
[1:29:06] Hannah Hughes Johnson,
[1:29:12] Rose Benete Pierce Halloway,
[1:29:19] Adifia Cherepe Khanan,
[1:29:28] Settiksaya Adi Kari,
[1:29:35] Sunita Chaudhray,
[1:29:46] Erin Atker,
[1:29:55] Joinaub Sultana.
[1:30:02] Gabrielle Brown,
[1:30:09] Katie Rihanna Henry,
[1:30:17] Kristen Olivia Hobbs,
[1:30:25] Claire Carine Brian,
[1:30:31] Miguel Mosqueria,
[1:30:39] Janie Guerrero,
[1:30:46] Christina Holmes,
[1:30:56] Matthew Bryan Hardwick,
[1:31:01] Ingres Soriano,
[1:31:08] Ronda Jenkins Clark,
[1:31:14] Christina Faith Anderson,
[1:31:22] Audania DeHavolin Chambers,
[1:31:29] Ryan Page Brown,
[1:31:36] Justin J. Harrison,
[1:31:43] Kevin Leander Richardson,
[1:31:49] Lecindra M. Range,
[1:31:57] Alexis Davis,
[1:32:06] Caitlyn Ray Smith,
[1:32:14] Jamesia Sharpe,
[1:32:21] Grayson T. Garner,
[1:32:28] Marco A. Molina,
[1:32:35] Brandon Dion Ketha,
[1:32:46] Nicholas Michael Guiatic,
[1:32:52] Autumn Mackenzie,
[1:32:59] Rianna Lee Thompson,
[1:33:06] Howard Dwayne Perve,
[1:33:13] Ishwin Wei,
[1:33:25] Mary Jean Adirin,
[1:33:29] David Holden Wilson,
[1:33:37] Lily Margaret McDaniel,
[1:33:44] Abigail Shepley Roberts,
[1:33:51] Jackson D. Ward,
[1:33:57] Mark Brendan Nichols,
[1:34:05] Braden Benjamin Martin,
[1:34:11] Alvin L. Barantine,
[1:34:18] Roland Drake Havron,
[1:34:24] Latania Monika Hayward,
[1:34:32] Jennifer Renee McIntyre,
[1:34:39] Javan Jason Osborne,
[1:34:46] Theo Sang,
[1:34:52] Brandon Knight,
[1:34:58] Shayla Denise Tyson,
[1:35:06] Adriah Walker,
[1:35:13] Michael De LaFlor,
[1:35:29] Stephen Ward,
[1:35:38] Keenan Gerard Davis,
[1:35:44] Tanya Ivette McNair,
[1:35:51] Shanaya Jean Cornett,
[1:35:58] Mason Robert Baker,
[1:36:06] Jacob Carter Lock,
[1:36:13] Adam Harrison Hall,
[1:36:19] Jessica M.
[1:36:20] Hall,
[1:36:25] Emma Burn Weeks,
[1:36:32] Kirsten Elizabeth Clancy,
[1:36:39] Karen Bell Nauton,
[1:36:46] Michael Alexander Morgan,
[1:36:55] Jay Gerber,
[1:37:02] Zachary Clark Hutchins,
[1:37:09] Emily Stroud,
[1:37:23] Amadea Faith Thompson.
[1:37:40] Will the graduates who have earned the doctoral degree please come forward to receive your diplomas?
[1:37:55] Dr. Lillian Marcia Brazil.
[1:38:19] Dr. Tamika A. Dickerson.
[1:38:44] Dr. May and Trial Dixon.
[1:39:00] Dr. Jennifer Doolittle.
[1:39:14] Dr. Kimberly Nicole Evans.
[1:39:35] Dr. Madison Nicole Knox.
[1:39:50] Dr. Ariel Monet Landry,
[1:40:09] Dr. Corrie Clarissa Lishon Spencer,
[1:40:27] Dr. Bailey Morgan Liz,
[1:40:58] Dr.
[1:40:58] Hawkins Leaders, Graduates and Distinguished Guests. I am Lieutenant Colonel Stephen
[1:41:05] Fancy the Professor of Military Science at Troy University. It is both my honor and privilege
[1:41:11] to be a part of this commencement this morning. And to introduce to you, the accomplished
[1:41:16] American standing before you.
[1:41:20] These future leaders will serve as commission
[1:41:22] second lieutenant in both the United States Army
[1:41:25] and the United States Air Force.
[1:41:28] As directed by the President of the United States,
[1:41:34] based on the authority granted a him
[1:41:35] by the U.S. Constitution for
[1:41:46] the Army ROTC graduates.
[1:41:49] Alexander Quigley will be commissioned as a second lieutenant
[1:41:53] into the active duty United States Army
[1:41:55] as an agitant general officer.
[1:42:07] His first assignment will be with the 706 military intelligence group at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
[1:42:14] Second Lieutenant Quigley is from Brussels, Wisconsin, and his bachelor's degree is in
[1:42:18] global business.
[1:42:28] Brittany Pacheco Medina will be commissioned,
[1:42:38] will be commissioned as a second lieutenant,
[1:42:41] into the active duty United States Army as a nurse.
[1:42:52] After commissioning, she will attend the officer-basic course in San Antonio, Texas.
[1:43:07] Second Lieutenant Pacheco is from Enterprise, Alabama.
[1:43:10] Her bachelor's degree of science is in nursing.
[1:43:20] Your Air Force, second Lieutenant.
[1:43:22] Shahim Gray will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and she not its states Air Force.
[1:43:36] He'll be commissioned as an air battle manager.
[1:43:38] His first assignment will be at Tindal Air Force Base, Panama City, Florida.
[1:43:50] Second Lieutenant Gray is from Enterprise, Alabama.
[1:43:52] as degrees in business and administration.
[1:44:01] As volunteers, these graduates will enter a unique profession that requires a specialized
[1:44:06] expertise, commitment, and sacrifice, a profession that interests these graduates with
[1:44:11] responsibility of preserving the United States' national security, a profession that
[1:44:16] asks more of its members than any other profession.
[1:44:19] No matter what branch, job, rank, or status, all service members belong to the profession
[1:44:24] and as professionals are expected to hold the highest of standards and be guided by our service core values.
[1:44:31] As we sit here today, less than half a percent of the United States population serves in the military,
[1:44:36] and these leaders have stepped up to be a part of that group.
[1:44:39] It is with great honor that I present to you Troy University's Second Lieutenant.
[1:45:09] At this time, these future officers will render solutes of respect and appreciation to Dr. Hawkins Jr., the presiding official of today's ceremony.
[1:45:24] And secondly, to fellow graduates and guests, who represent the American citizens we have sworn to protect and defend.
[1:45:48] Thank you.
[1:46:06] Let's all remain standing and offer one more great big round of applause for all of our graduates today.
[1:46:25] At this time, I would ask that everyone please remain standing and join Dr. Sarah Wee and all
[1:46:30] of our new alumni in seeking the Troy University Alma Mater, which is printed on the back
[1:46:35] of your program, will also be displayed on the screens at either end of the arena.
[1:46:40] The Alma Mater will be followed by the benediction offered by Ms. Grace Wildberger. We'd
[1:46:46] remind you once again to remain in your places until the platform party in graduates have left
[1:46:51] Maria Rina, ladies and gentlemen of the Troy University Alma Mater.
[1:48:25] As we come to a close on this very special day, I invite you to join me in prayer, let us
[1:48:29] shower, and pray. Dear Lord, as we close this special ceremony, we thank you, Lord, for every
[1:48:36] single graduate in this room. With grateful hearts, we lift up these graduates and all
[1:48:40] that they have accomplished. Thank you, Lord, for directing them in each of their lives to
[1:48:45] arrive at this moment of success. We pray that you would surround them with your peace,
[1:48:50] lead them with your grace, and continually remind them that you are guiding their every step.
[1:48:55] Thank you, Lord, for every graduate, and we pray their lives be filled with light and
[1:49:00] purpose that can only come from you. In your name we pray, Amen.