The University of Mobile Class of 2024 celebrated graduation May 4 on the Great Commission Lawn with fireworks, cheers from family and friends, and a UM tradition — touching the Great Commission Globe to signify being sent into the world to pursue God’s calling for their lives.
Many of the 300 members of the Class of 2024 graduated from high school during the pandemic and did not experience a traditional high school graduation ceremony. To make their UM graduation extra-special, each graduate received a brightly wrapped present to open at the ceremony’s end. Each present — a University of Mobile Alumni picture frame — was wrapped by members of the 55+ life group at Cottage Hill Baptist Church as part of their “Love Where You Live” community service program.
Joe Espada honored
The Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to Joe Espada, manager of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros and former UM Rams baseball standout. The presentation was announced via video, as the Astros were scheduled to host the Seattle Mariners later that afternoon at Minute Made Park in Houston, Texas.
Weaver Awards presented
The university presented its two top student awards, the William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award and the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award, to Randall Luke Killam of Semmes and Brinkley Madison Hearn of Mobile.
Burnett delivers commencement address
The commencement ceremony also marked Lonnie Burnett’s last day as president of his alma mater, and he delivered the commencement address. UM’s 6th president, Charles W. Smith Jr., begins his tenure on May 6.
Burnett spent 20 years of service to the university as professor and administrator, including five years as president. Prior to joining UM, the 1979 graduate of then-Mobile College taught history at the high school level in Mobile County Public Schools for 25 years. He now serves as vice president of Coastal Alabama Community College.
In his final address as UM president, Burnett urged graduates to dream big, love what they do, and pursue God’s purpose for their lives.
“I pray that you are persistent when the world says ‘just give up.’ I pray that you have passion when the world says ‘just get by.’ I pray you seek and follow God’s purpose when the world says ‘get in line,’” Burnett said.
Watch the commencement address here:
The Class of 2024 includes the first 12 graduates of the university’s new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program, as well as the first Associate Degree in Nursing graduates since that program was reinstated.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kathy Dean and originally published by the University of Mobile.
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