Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson urged University of Mobile (UMobile) graduates to follow the “voice of adventure” and change the world with boldness during commencement ceremonies May 14 at the Mobile Civic Center.
The university awarded Stimpson the honorary doctor of human letters and presented its top two awards to the outstanding male and female graduate selected by vote of the faculty before awarding diplomas to 285 graduates.
Stimpson encouraged graduates to follow God’s calling in their lives and not be discouraged by thinking they are unqualified or unprepared. As a UMobile graduate, he said, they have been uniquely prepared to change the world for the better.
‘Allowing God to use you’
“In preparing you, the University of Mobile is not suggesting you change the world by doing things you can do by yourselves — change it by allowing God to use you. Don’t settle for just changing it just a little bit — think about how you are going to significantly impact it in a profound way. Have a bold vision. We are all created to improve the condition of mankind,” Stimpson said.
He encouraged graduates to follow “the voice of adventure” over “the voice of safety.”
“I challenge you to not listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won’t feel guilty,” Stimpson said. “If you are following God’s promptings, then step out. Be bold — start a business. Be courageous — join the military. Be adventuresome — teach in another country. Or just change careers — run for mayor. Yes, you will make a difference. You are going forth from here today to change the world. Sure, your journey may not be safe, but it never has been.”
The UMobile Weaver awards were presented to graduates who exemplify the mission of the university and selection is based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service.
The Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award was presented to Tinsley Griffin, of Savannah, Georgia. Griffin graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA and a bachelor of arts in political science. She also received the President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Political Science Area Award and is an honors with thesis program graduate.
Griffin was accepted into 11 law schools and will pursue her juris doctor at the University of Alabama School of Law. She is a founding member of UMobile’s Mock Trial Club and won awards for her role as attorney at the American Mock Trial Association tournament two years in a row.
She is student leader and musician in Welsh Revival, a music ensemble in the UMobile Center for Performing Arts that travels across the country performing in churches and at civic events.
Griffin is vice president and former senator of the Student Government Association (SGA), served as executive board member and team captain of the Mock Trial Club, is Alpha Chi Honors Society’s representative to the SGA and was president of the Honors Council.
She is a Chatham County Distinguished Young Women program volunteer and was assistant coordinator, has served on the campaigns of a U.S. representative and a Public Service Commissioner, was orchestra assistant for the Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra, a tutor for the Savannah Baptist Center and helps teach at the Southside Baptist Church, Bay Minette, nursery.
The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award was presented to Aaron Pouncey, of Mobile, who graduated summa cum laude with a 3.99 GPA and a bachelor of science in music education.
Pouncey is a member of Voices of Mobile, a vocal ensemble in the UMobile Center for Performing Arts that tours internationally. He has been first tenor in the Voices of Mobile for three years and has been a featured soloist in several operas and the university’s annual Christmas Spectacular. He has been a member of Chamber Singers, University Singers, Covenant Gospel Quartet and UMobile Opera Workshop.
He recently completed student teaching, and plans to pursue a career in music ministry and music education. Pouncey was nominated for the Weaver award by faculty in the School of Education, who described him as “a great example of a scholarly musician.”
“Aaron Pouncey is a terrific example of a young man who devotes himself to serving others, which is a reflection of his commitment to his Christian beliefs. Aaron is a superb example of the excellent young people who attend the University of Mobile,” the School of Education nomination reads.
(UMobile)
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