After putting in the hard work and long hours in the library, more than 880 students received their degrees Friday during the May commencement ceremony on Troy University’s main campus.

Troy University prides itself on being an international institution, and with students representing 29 states and 13 countries, Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. applauded parents, teachers and the graduates during his welcoming speech.

“I think in my 26 years in Troy this is the largest graduating class we’ve had,” Hawkins said during the ceremony. “We’re proud of you, but we’ll miss you.”

And, as Hawkins also pointed out during his speech, graduates were addressed by one of their own.

“Troy is considered Alabama’s International University and we wanted to mark this occasion by choosing a special international student to speak,” Hawkins said. “We didn’t have to look far to find this special lady.”

Mac-Jane Chukwu, from Lagos, Nigeria, a graduate student in international relations with a focus in national security affairs, addressed her peers and reminded them that every day is simply what you make it.

“I see a smile as something that has power,” Chukwu said in her opening remarks. She continued delivering her commencement address, presenting the graduating students with three things that had made a difference in her life.

The first was how to be a leader to those around you.

“You have to be a leader that leads by example,” Chukwu said. “If you do not put yourself in the shoes of others, you may not understand the hopes of others to make a difference.”

As Chukwu went on, she urged her fellow graduates to “dream big,” “smile daily” and to always serve others.

“Pursue excellence in whatever career path you choose,” Chukwu said. “Take one day at a time because life is a gift. Make the best of every moment that you live. There is no hurry in life and remember to smile daily. Trust me, it is not expensive, but it can change the world and make it a better place.”