HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Army Materiel Command's top leader offered words of wisdom to more than 1,200 graduates as Alabama A&M University and University of Alabama in Huntsville conferred bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in ceremonies here May 2 and May 4.
Gen. Dennis L. Via also commissioned 10 new second lieutenants from Alabama A&M's ROTC program.
Via told graduates they would leave the security of academia for an unpredictable global world.
"A world in which opportunity will be your watchword, where success must become your mantra, and where persistence and determination must be the norm," Via said.
He gave the graduates several points of advice on entering a post-graduate world like believing in themselves, maintaining a moral compass, and being a catalyst for change.
"Change is constant and it is the norm," Via said. You must always strive to adapt, grow and evolve. Be the change agent for your company and you may have the opportunity to lead the change that you desire."
He told graduates to never compromise their integrity and to work hard at becoming a good person.
"Be a good friend, a true friend, be a good family member, be the person you want others to be," Via said.
Following his remarks, UAH awarded Via an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
To Alabama A&M graduates, Via reminded them that the school's founder, Dr. William Hooper Councill, once said, "carry the pick axe in one hand and the olive branch of peace in the other."
Via said the founder's message meant intentions are not enough for success. "You have to work hard."
Via also made a special point to thank the families of the graduates for their support of their loved ones.
"You were there, and now you are here," Via said. "That's why this is your night as well."
Social Sharing