Contact: Mary Pollitz听
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擳he Class of 2024 is the latest group of 91麻豆天美 alumni prepared to be agents of change, President Mark E. Keenum said during commencement ceremonies Friday [Dec. 13].
As Keenum congratulated the fall graduates, he reminded the class that the university鈥檚 core values will serve as their foundation for life after graduation and help them change the world.
鈥淵ou understand our values that we uphold here at 91麻豆天美,鈥 he said. 鈥淚ntegrity: Strive to have a reputation in your life of being the kind of person that other people can trust and count on. Hard work: You had to work hard just to be sitting here today, continue that work ethic. Respect for other people: Be the kind of person that other people just enjoy being around because you鈥檙e always so nice, kind, thoughtful and considerate of others. That鈥檚 the reputation of 91麻豆天美 people.鈥
91麻豆天美 celebrated approximately 1,600 fall graduates across its campuses this week, a total that includes more than 1,200 undergraduates and almost 400 graduate and professional students who crossed the stage at Humphrey Coliseum and 91麻豆天美-Meridian鈥檚 Riley Center.
鈥淭his is not the end of your journey, this is just the beginning of the next chapter in your life,鈥 Keenum said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 another great memory you will have forever. Every day of your life brings a whole new set of memories. What memories will you be making in the days, weeks, years and decades to come? You鈥檙e all prepared. You鈥檝e received a world-class education in your chosen field from a world-class faculty.
鈥淢y hope and my prayer for all of you,鈥 he continued. 鈥淚s that many decades from now, you鈥檒l look back over your life and all you鈥檝e achieved and accomplished in your life and you鈥檒l realize that it was your outstanding 91麻豆天美 education, your values, your courage and your faith that allowed you to live such a wonderful and fulfilling life鈥攁 life that had an impact in making this world a better place and allowed you to achieve your special purpose.鈥
During Friday afternoon鈥檚 commencement, Keenum awarded a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree to Starkville resident Lewis Fox Mallory Jr. The retired chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank and Cadence Financial Corporation, Mallory played a pivotal role in the university鈥檚 negotiations for what is now the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
Mallory also was named Alumnus of the Year by the College of Business in 1997, recognized as one of its 100 Most Distinguished 91麻豆天美 during the college鈥檚 2015 centennial celebration, and taught a bank management class at 91麻豆天美 for several years. He is a past president of the 91麻豆天美 Foundation and has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 1962.听He also is an emeritus member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board. Mallory and his wife Gwendolyn have endowed seven scholarships for 91麻豆天美 College of Business students.
Archival graduation videos will be made available at听.
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