Troy University’s Albany site conducts mid-year commencement

ALBANY — The Albany campus of Troy University held its graduation exercise Thursday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. More than 20 graduates participated in the mid-year commencement ceremony.

Retired former Dougherty County school superintendent John Culbreath, currently an educational consultant, was the event’s speaker. He has remained an active member of the community, serving on various boards including the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of SWGA, Strive2Thrive, the Phoebe Putney Hospital board (Chairman) and many others.

“Let me make you more comfortable,” Culbreath told the newly minted graduates. “As an educator, I am going to award you all four ‘A’s’ right now: Achievement, Adaptability, Adversity and Aspirations.”

“In May of 1961 President John F. Kennedy set a goal of America putting a man on the moon and bringing him safely home by the end of the decade. In July of 1969, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon and came safely home.

“Set a goal, set a timetable. That is an achievement.”

Then Culbreath moved onto his next two “A’s.”

“Sometimes you set a goal and a timetable and things just don’t work out. Adapt. Make it work; that is adaptability,” Culbreath said. “Then sometimes no matter how well you plan or adapt, obstacles will be placed in your path. How you get around those barriers is how you overcome adversity.”

The former superintendent then talked about aspirations.

“Aspirations change as you grow. When I was young I wanted a 1957 Chevy and a pocket full of money. Then I was going to drive around town all day,” Culbreath said. “The only aspiration I have today is to pass on my knowledge and experience so I will not have lived this life in vain.

“Remember that your future is all in your hands. It’s all in your hands.”

Founded in 1887 as a normal school to teach teachers, Troy University today is a public institution serving traditional and nontraditional students in class and online and providing a wide variety of academic programs from the associate to the doctoral level. There are four campuses in Alabama — Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City.

In addition to the Albany site, the University has six other campuses in Georgia — Atlanta, Augusta/Fort Gordon, Brunswick, Covington, Fort Benning/Columbus, and Savannah.