MONTGOMERY, Ala. – More than 100 Faulkner University students had the special privilege of having Alabama Governor Kay Ivey deliver their commencement address at Saturday’s graduation ceremony.
Ivey’s speech was a part of the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 4, 2024 in Tine Davis Gym as she congratulated graduates. She praised Faulkner for being a Christian university and inspired graduates to stay true to their faith as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
“Faulkner University is a unique Christian university and a special place for young men and women to be transformed into servant leaders,” Ivey said. “Through my years, I have relied on my faith to guide me through difficult challenges and I have no doubt that every one of you is prepared to discover and fulfil God’s plan for you… Graduates you are about to embark on life’s journey that will offer you many new beginnings.”
Ivey encouraged the graduates to make wise choices on their new journey and emphasized the importance of character values that have made a difference in her life and impacted her many years in political office.
“Wise choices will determine your destiny. Wisdom is looking into the future to see the possible outcomes of your decisions before you make those choices,” Ivey said. “Three-character values must also guide your life. These are most essential: hard work, honesty and service to God and country. Those three values have made the most profound impact on my life. What will your destiny do? It’s your choice. You get to decide. It’s up to each of you.”
“Graduates, you are in command of the 21st century,” Ivey added. “Charge ahead and make it even more wonderful. Stay true to your faith and stand strong. Congratulations, best of luck and soar eagles!”
Faulkner President Mitch Henry also extended his congratulations to the graduating class and encouraged them in their future endeavors.
“We live in challenging times,” Henry said. “Our world is filled with suffering and human needs that often go unmet. Polarization is prevalent, but you students are equipped to face all these challenges. You’ll bring healing to the suffering, you will bring the good news of Jesus Christ by sharing your faith and you will bring peace because you hold the hope of our future. I believe in you and I’m proud of you.”
Kay Ivey, Alabama’s 54th governor, was sworn in on April 10, 2017. She was the first elected state treasurer in 2002, re-elected in 2006, and elected lieutenant governor in 2010, becoming the first Republican woman to hold the office in Alabama’s history. In 2014, she was the first Republican re-elected to the office since Reconstruction.
A native of Camden, she grew up on her father’s farm and graduated from Auburn University in 1967. She worked as a high school teacher and a bank officer before serving as Reading Clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives under Speaker Joseph C. McCorquodale. She later became assistant director of the Alabama Development Office, where she focused her efforts on job creation and economic development.
Ivey has been recognized with the 2015 ALFA Service to Agriculture Award, as one of Newsmax’s 50 Most Influential Female Republicans, and received the 2016 Public Service Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In 2017, River Region Living Magazine named her the Citizen of the Year. She is the first Girls State alumna to be elected to an Alabama Constitutional Office.
