KNOXVILLE — Knoxville College President Barbara Hatton challenged University of Tennessee graduates Friday to use their education to help others.
About 1,470 graduate and undergraduate degrees were conferred in the UT summer commencement ceremony at Thompson Boling Arena.
Hatton, who delivered the principal address, urged graduates to use their knowledge gained in college to benefit others.
“Public investment in your education not only benefits you in the form of jobs, salaries and other purposes but can also benefit your family, your community, your culture and your country,” Hatton said.
“Our colleges are judged by what you do with the education you receive. Your good work will reflect on your educational institution and encourage others to continue the tradition you represent.”
Hatton, who came out of retirement in 1997 to assume the presidency of Knoxville College, told graduates to set big goals for the future.
“Do not be content with just getting a job,” Hatton said. “Be bold. Think big. Take risks. Live audaciously.
“Think about what you want your life to be in 10 years. Pledge to yourself to make it happen. You can create your future.”
Hatton, former president of South Carolina State University, served as deputy director of the Ford Foundation’s Education and Culture Program and was a scholar-in-residence of the Southern Education Foundation.
She earned the bachelor’s degree from Howard University, the master’s from Atlanta University and the doctor of philosophy from Stanford. She was on the faculty of each of those institutions, Tuskegee University and the University of the District of Columbia.