COLUMBUS, Ga.—The CEO of Carmike Cinemas, S. David Passman III, told Troy University graduates Friday night that people from all walks of life can achieve success through persistence and hard work.

Passman delivered the keynote address during a joint fall commencement ceremony for the Phenix City Campus and the Columbus/Ft. Benning Site on Friday, Jan. 18, at the Columbus Civic Center. About 100 students were presented undergraduate and graduate degrees during the event.

Passman, reflecting on his own struggles working his way through college, told graduates that no matter what obstacles they faced on the way to earning a degree, great things are possible.

"You could end up a senior officer in our armed forces, a famous actor, writer, painter, or an executive at a Fortune 500 company," Passman said. "Even if you had to work your way through school, even if you didn't go to an Ivy League school, even if you didn't get your degree at 22."

Passman said the commencement ceremony marked the start of a new journey. He urged graduates to pursue their goals with persistence. 

"Extraordinary things happen to ordinary people who dare to persist,” Passman said.

Passman has served as the head of Carmike Cinemas since June 2009. He is also currently the chairman for the National Association of Theatre Owners. Before coming to Carmike, Passman served as President and CEO of IBS-STL, Inc., a book publishing and distribution company, from June 2005 until January 2009.

S. David Passman III, president and CEO of Carmike Cinemas, delivers the keynote address to graduates during a joint commencement ceremony for the Phenix City Campus and the Columbus/Ft. Benning Site on Friday, Jan. 18, in Columbus, Ga.