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The 澳门在线赌城娱乐 honored 297 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 99 candidates for graduate degrees during the Spring Commencement ceremony May 4, 在花山草坪上. 学生, 教师, 工作人员, 家庭, friends and members of the UM community gathered on the sunny Saturday morning to celebrate the Class of 2024 — the majority of whom began their college journey in fall 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Starting [college] during a pandemic is rather brave,” said Student Government Association President Colton Rodano ’25 during his address. “These graduating seniors braved these adverse conditions and found success. They have both struggled and shown great resilience. I look forward to seeing what all of you accomplish.”
Outgoing Senior Class President Abigail Heuton explained in her speech that the University would always be home to the graduates, 说, “澳门在线赌城娱乐, whether you stay here for the rest of your life or come back in 10 to 50 years. 感觉就像你从未离开过.”
今年的主讲人是校友. Lewis 布鲁克斯, superintendent of the Shelby County School District. 布鲁克斯 earned three degrees from UM — a Bachelor of Science in 1988, a Master of Education in 1999 and an educational specialist degree in 2003. He holds a doctorate in instructional leadership from Samford University.
“在我担任总统期间, there hasn’t been a single occasion I can remember where I’ve had the honor of introducing a triple graduate of the 澳门在线赌城娱乐,澳门大学校长约翰. Stewart III in his introduction of 布鲁克斯. “今天 we celebrate your accomplishments and perseverance, and Dr. 布鲁克斯 knows and exemplifies both of those characteristics.”
布鲁克斯, whose career in public education spans 33 years, has served as superintendent since 2018 and has led Shelby County Schools through several challenges, including a worldwide pandemic and the aftermath of a tornado. He delivered his words of wisdom to the graduating class in the form of an acronym, 免费的, 它代表信仰, 的关系, 教育与经济.
“Faith is the knowledge that deep down inside, things will get better and brighter days will come amid challenges,布鲁克斯说, 提供每个点的细分. “Relationships allow you to have a lasting impression on others, and them on you. An education opens your eyes and ears to the great wealth of opportunity that is available to you. 并最终, the secret to understanding economics and money is to spend less than you make for a very long time.”
在关闭, 他说, 2024届毕业生, I believe that you have been given the best 免费的 advice that you can have. This is your moment, enjoy and celebrate this accomplishment. Now is the time for you to go out into the world and be great. Congratulations, and best wishes to you for a bright and prosperous future.”
Following 布鲁克斯’s speech, Stewart presented him with the President’s Award. The ceremony continued as Stewart, assisted by Professor of History Dr. 吉姆·戴和注册主任阿曼达·福克斯04年，M.Ed. 2010年，授予学位. 之后, Eddie Baker III ' 04, president of the UM National 校友 Association, 邀请新毕业生加入UMNAA.
“I am pleased to welcome you, the Class of 2024, into our alumni 家庭,” Baker said. “今天, you join us in our dedication to serve this institution, 她的老师, 它的员工和学生. We welcome you to visit often, serve faithfully and give how you are able. You always belong at the 澳门在线赌城娱乐.”
Stewart also recognized those earning a diploma from the Falcon Flight program, which allows Shelby County students with learning disabilities to attend classes at UM and learn essential life and jobs skills that will allow them to continue their journey into adulthood after finishing high school.