From Staff Reports

The University of Montevallo recognized 263 students for the completion of degrees on Dec. 9 at UM’s fall commencement held in the McChesney Student Activity Center.

A massive crowd of family, friends and other supporters cheered as UM presented its last class of 2016. Adding to the evening’s festivities, graduating senior and vocalist Margaret Marie Brewer of Pelham performed the special music for the ceremony.

Retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Saitta delivered the keynote address. Saitta offered graduating seniors principles for navigating the pathways of life with her three Ps for success: perseverance, passion and progress.

She explained that progress from perseverance and passion is what makes a successful professional. She emphasized to graduates to never confuse their paths with their destinations.

Saitta encouraged the audience to go beyond their comfort zone, and explained that “any goal worth reaching should scare you a little.” She instructed the seniors, “You possess all the resources you need to climb your mountain. Never be afraid to fail – better an ‘oops’ than a ‘what if.’”

Following the address, John W. Stewart III, president of the University of Montevallo, conferred 188 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 67 candidates for master’s degrees and 8 candidates for the educational specialist degree.

To view the full list of graduates, visit Montevallo.edu/fall16_grad.