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MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo honored 144 graduates at its Fall Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13 at the McChesney Student Activity Center.

“I want each of you to know that we are proud of you, and we wish you much success in your future endeavors,” UM President Dr. John W. Stewart III said. “Wherever life takes you, please know that we are honored that you chose the University of Montevallo as the place to begin your life’s journey.”

This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Don Chance, who graduated from UM in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He then earned his MBA from the University of Mississippi and a doctorate from Louisiana State University. A native of Selma, Chance subsequently became a professor at Virginia Tech after earning his doctorate, a position he held for 23 years. Chance returned to LSU in 2003 and is currently the Norman V. Kinsey Distinguished Chair in Finance.

Stewart took the time to acknowledge Chance and the contributions he has made to UM in his address.

“Graduates, you are sharing this moment with those who support, inspire and have cared for you,” Stewart said. “It seems fitting that the address should be delivered by someone who shares your Montevallo experience as a student and soon to be an alum.”

In his commencement speech, Chance taught this year’s graduates the art of the handshake.

“I estimate that in the years I was at Virginia Tech, I’ve shaken 1,500 to 2,000 hands of young people wearing caps and gowns, eagerly awaiting their diplomas,” Chance said. “And one day I said to myself, ‘If I ever give a graduation speech, I’m going to teach them how to shake hands, because they don’t know.’”

Chance proceeded to outline the history of the handshake and its variations. He gave tips for a professional handshake, demonstrating the correct hand shape and the proper way to grip the other person’s hand.

“It is important when you walk into a job interview‑or anytime you’re meeting somebody professionally‑to give them a good handshake,” Chance said. “In a little while you’re going to come up and shake this man’s (Dr. Stewart’s) hand, and I want you to get it right.”

Chance then personally addressed the graduates in his closing remarks.

“Congratulations, you’ve done it,” Chance said. “You’re now members of an elite club. Always remember your alma mater. Come back as often as you can, and when you do, you will remember that these were the best years of your lives.”

Chance was then presented with the President’s Award from Stewart. The award recognizes distinguished alums and scholars of UM.

The ceremony continued with Stewart, assisted by Professor of History Dr. Jim Day and Registrar Amanda Fox, conferred 90 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 54 candidates for graduate degrees. The graduates were then officially inducted into the UM National Alumni Association by UMNAA President Eddie Baker, who graduated from Montevallo in 2004.

“We welcome you to visit often, serve faithfully and give how you are able,” Baker said. “Always know that there’s a place for you here at your home. You always belong in Montevallo.”

For more information on the University of Montevallo, visit Montevallo.edu.