I knew from the moment I stepped on campus that this was a very special
place. I've been really excited to graduate but I've also been really kind
of sad because I know that I'm gonna have to leave behind a lot of friends.
I'm so thankful for the opportunities that I've been given and to just truly
learn from everyone around me here at Samford.
For most their Samford story began four years ago on move-in day. They started
with smiles and freshmen expectations, they leave inspired. I have a lot of
feelings of what the heck am i doing but I'm also extremely excited to be here
everyone has been so nice so helpful.
Overall I just look I've done so much just relationally and definitely just my
own person as an individual. The biggest change spiritually for sure
spiritually in the sense where I learned how to relate to people on a new level
just because being here there's so many kinds of people coming from all
different aspects of life I just got to learn a lot of different worldviews meet a
lot of interesting people that's just going to immense blessing. Samford
commencement ceremonies include 10 schools. These graduates leave with more
than just a diploma, they leave with an empowering education.
The things that I learned at Samford I wouldn't have gotten elsewhere.
It never stopped feeling like a community, it never stopped feeling welcoming. I do feel empowered like I
can go and step into my job and do good things and put more good into the world.
Prepared is an understatement I think I'm ready to go out into any job that
I'm given and succeed not only do well but but thrive. And kind of hopefully
rise to the top pretty quickly because I think here has been so difficult and so
challenging, but that's what makes today so worth it is it has been hard and has
been difficult and I could have asked for a better experience in the classroom.
Over the course of the years dating back to 1841 many things haven't changed at
Samford, one in particular its legacy one of faith and tradition. First Peter 4:10
is to use the gifts that we have been given by Christ to serve others and so
that really has been something that I've been thinking about today and that I've
really noticed in each one of the different speakers
seaches. I honestly believe I people just really open with their faith here and
that's how they flow of conversation really gets it gets it going you know
like you know, I'm struggling for a test and a teacher, a friend or be like I'll
pray for you and I really think that that grows everybody's faith and their
relationship together. Congratulations class of 2018 our hopes and prayers are
with you.
We sit in the shade of trees that we did not plant. For all time to come
this will be your alma mater, so wherever you go and whatever you do you will
carry our cherished hopes and dreams just as you carry your own. For decades
to come we will cheer from this Alabama hillside as each day you engage your
mind, your hands, your soul, in all that you think and say and do. It is a great
life, and it will be a great life. May God
bless you and keep you this day and always thank you.