In the real world, it’s not just how much you know that counts. Sometimes it’s also how much people think you care.
That message was delivered to graduating students at Georgia Highlands College on Saturday by Willis Potts, commencement speaker.
Potts represents the 11th Congressional District on the Board of Regents. He retired in 2004 as the vice president and general manager of Rome-based Temple-Inland Corporation.
“Choose to be your very best, act with faith in yourself, reach farther by constantly growing, and embrace your passion,” Potts said during his speech to the graduating class of 2008 during ceremonies at The Forum.
He also urged students to “illuminate the lives of those around you.”
Click here for more photos and here for video coverage of the Georgia Highlands College graduation.
After his address, Potts was presented with the Georgia Highlands College President’s Award for Meritory Service.
The award was going given to longtime Assistant to the President Barbara Griffith, who has served for 30 years at the college under two other school presidents and is retiring.
“It’s been a wonderful 30 years, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of being a part of this institution,” Griffith said during a short acceptance speech.
Georgia Highlands president Dr. J. Randy Pierce presented diplomas to the graduates.
With the close of the ceremony, about 400 students filed out to join waiting family and friends to celebrate their achievement.
Some, however, won’t be spending much time celebrating.
Milissa Joiner, who received her associate’s degree with honors in business management, is one Georgia Highlands graduate who plans to continue her education.
Soon she’ll move on to Kennesaw State, where she will join her twin sister.
Joiner credited her family’s support with helping her graduate.
“My parents and my twin sister motivated me to finish,” Joiner said. “We’re both motivating each other to get through it.”
