May 7, 2004

AG tells Troy University graduates to get involved to improve Alabama

Troy University welcomed home a distinguished alumnus to present the keynote address at spring commencement exercises Friday morning, and he called on the graduates to do their part to make Alabama a better place to live .

Attorney General Troy King was the speaker at Friday's commencement ceremony held in Sartain Hall. Approximately 485 students from 22 U.S. states and 10 foreign nations received diplomas.

“I urge you to use everything at your disposal to make things better for those who follow you,” King, a member of the Troy State University Class of 1990, said.

The Attorney General showed graduates a copy of Governing Magazine's report card for Alabama which gave the state a grade of C-minus for public service, the worst in the nation.

“You know what is wrong with our state and you all have ideas on how to fix it,” he said. “Get involved. We all need to work together to make Alabama better.”

Dr. Jack Hawkins , Troy University Chancellor in introducing King, held him up as an example for the graduates to emulate.

“Just 14 years ago, General King was sitting where you sit today,” Dr. Hawkins said. “His story should inspire the members of this graduating class to reach for the stars.”

King, who served Gov. Bob Riley as legal advisor, was appointed by the Governor on March 8 to complete the current term of Bill Pryor, who was appointed to a federal judgeship. King has served as Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Executive Secretary and Acting Executive Secretary to Gov. Fob James Jr.

The University also welcomed another special guest for the ceremony, as Sen. Hank Erwin of Montevallo delivered the invocation and the benediction.