The University of Montevallo recognized the hard work and achievements of 144 graduates at its Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 13 in the McChesney Student Activity Center.
“I want each of you to know that we are proud of you, and we wish you much success in your future endeavors,” said UM President Dr. John W. Stewart III. “Wherever life takes you, please know that we are honored that you chose the University of Montevallo as the place to begin your life’s journey.”
This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Don Chance, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from UM in 1972. After earning an MBA from the University of Mississippi and a doctorate from Louisiana State University, the Selma native became a professor at Virginia Tech, a position he held for 23 years. He returned to LSU in 2003 and is currently the Norman V. Kinsey Distinguished Chair in Finance.
“Graduates, you are sharing this moment with those who support, inspire and have cared for you. It seems fitting that the address should be delivered by someone who shares your Montevallo experience as a student and soon to be an alum,” Stewart said, thanking Chance and his wife, Jan Chance ’72, for their contributions to the UM Foundation over the years.
Chance utilized his time on stage to teach this year’s graduates a useful skill: the art of a proper handshake.
“I estimate that in the years I was at Virginia Tech, I’ve shaken 1,500 to 2,000 hands of young people wearing caps and gowns, eagerly awaiting their diplomas,” Chance said. “And one day I said to myself, ‘If I ever give a graduation speech, I’m going to teach them how to shake hands, because they don’t know.’”
Engaging the Central State Bank Arena audience in an impromptu lesson, Chance summarized the history of the handshake and different handshake variations. He gave tips for a good professional handshake, demonstrating the correct hand shape and the proper way to squeeze the other person’s hand.
“It is important when you walk into a job interview — or anytime you’re meeting somebody professionally — to give them a good handshake,” Chance said. “In a little while you’re going to come up and shake this man’s [Dr. Stewart’s] hand, and I want you to get it right.”
The Class of 2024 then stood and happily practiced shaking hands with their fellow graduates.
“Congratulations, you’ve done it,” Chance said. “You’re now members of an elite club. Always remember your alma mater. Come back as often as you can, and when you do, you will remember that these were the best years of your lives.”
Stewart then presented Chance with the President’s Award, recognizing him as a distinguished alum and scholar. The award inscription featured a Benjamin Franklin quote: “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
The ceremony continued as Stewart, assisted by Professor of History Dr. Jim Day and Registrar Amanda Fox ’04, M.Ed. ’10, conferred 90 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 54 candidates for graduate degrees. After all the graduates had crossed the stage and received their degrees, they were officially inducted into the UM National Alumni Association by UMNAA President Eddie Baker ’04.
“We welcome you to visit often, serve faithfully and give how you are able,” Baker said. “Always know that there’s a place for you here at your home. You always belong in Montevallo.”
