FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo celebrated the achievements of 144 students as they received their degrees during the University’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 13 in the McChesney Student Activity Center.

Todd Strange, the chairman of the UM Board of Trustees and former mayor of Montgomery, delivered the keynote address and received an honorary doctorate for his many years of service to the University.

“Todd is an example of what I want for all of you. He’s hard-working, dedicated, has common sense, is good-humored, is caring, loyal and earnest,” said Dr. John W. Stewart III, the University’s president. “These are traits of success no matter your major, course of study or background. Todd is a fabulous example of someone who has served his alma mater almost his entire life.”

Strange encouraged the graduates to seek success in their lives while making a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

“People who really live, who really make a difference, transition from success to significance. Success tends to look inward and applies to self, while significance tends to look outward and impacts others,” Strange told the graduates. “In the end, it doesn’t really matter how far up the ladder you got or how many deals you did. What matters is if you made a difference for your fellow man and fellow woman.”

Strange said the commencement ceremony served as the starting line for the graduates’ journey to impact the world.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and I hope this chapter is filled with a commitment to not only success, but also to significance. I would admonish you to attempt something great and fall short, rather than attempt nothing and succeed,” Strange said. “We all have an obligation to remember this University and do everything you can to keep it strong.”

Following Strange’s address, Stewart conferred 106 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 38 candidates for graduate degrees.