Myers urges graduates a different kind of service

By Donathan Prater

Published: May 10, 2008

As the retired 15th chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Auburn-Montgomery alum Gen. Richard B. Myers knows a thing or two about military service.

But Saturday during the commencement ceremonies at Auburn University, at which more than 2,600 students were awarded degrees, the man who led the nation’s military forces in toppling Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq, urged graduates toward service of a different kind — service to worthwhile causes and their communities.

“We need the leadership of today’s group of graduates to face the challenges that lie ahead in the future,” Myers said. “I hope these graduates think about not only going out and following all their dreams, but also serving a cause that’s bigger than themselves. It’s really about trying to make this world a better place.”

While some folks might find listening to each student’s name called as they receive their respective diplomas monotonous, Myers described the experience as “energizing.”

“Seeing all those students sitting out there bright-eyed who are excited about a big achievement in their lives is special,” Myers added.

Myers, a native of Kansas, graduated from Kansas State in 1965 before attending and graduating from AUM with a master of business administration degree in 1977.

While much has changed about the area’s appearance since Myers was a college student, the valuable life lessons students are learning at Auburn have remained the same.

“It’s always been a part of the Auburn Creed, but these young graduates must lead with integrity,” said Myers. “It’s (integrity) a precious commodity.”

Myers is Auburn University’s first featured commencement speaker following a resolution passed by the AU SGA last year as well as an initiative by AU President Jay Gogue to regularly bring in nationally recognized speakers to deliver commencement addresses.