“Graduates, you are entering the world in a tough moment,” said Stephen Briggs, Berry College president. “But you need to step into the world with confidence and optimism that you will make a difference that has lasting value by being pillars of your community, by courage, character … by commitment to yourselves, to friends and families.”
Briggs was one of several speakers who addressed 305 graduates Saturday afternoon at the school’s Memorial Lawn.
“My initial reaction is one of great sadness because this is another world ... and the sense of community feels very safe,” said Allison Shelton, graduate and student commencement speaker. “But Berry has prepared us well to be cast off shore. The lessons learned here will always be a part of my character.”
Click here for more photos and here for video coverage of the Berry College graduation.
U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss also bid the graduates adieu as the featured commencement speaker.
“Look up. Look around. Look for possibilities like Martha Berry did when she founded Berry College,” said Chambliss as he noted Berry’s historic founding after Martha Berry found several rural boys on the side of the hill without an education and founded Berry.
He also joked you might be a college grad if your parents downsize to a one-bedroom apartment, the bank sends you a box of checks with a new account number and the new boss gives you a blank stare when you ask about spring break.
“(Jokes aside), this is a transition…trust as you leave this hollowed ground, continue to look up on a regular basis,” said Chambliss. “Be the generation others look to for leadership…look around for opportunities to service others using your talents and gifts. Be a part of the solution and look for the possibilities.”
Berry College also bestowed two honorary doctorates in humane services to Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-Fil-A and the Winshape Foundation, and Sam Spector, a former Berry professor and retired president of Garden Lakes Realty.
