By Jenna Oden

More than 500 students walked across Trojan Arena stage Friday morning to begin the first day of the rest of their careers and lives.

Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said that he was extremely excited to share the moment with them all because Troy is a family.

“Values are extremely important, and family is important,” Hawkins said. “You are prepared to make a difference, just remember your roots.”

New graduate Anna Starling says that after living in Troy for 23 years, she can’t wait to see where God takes her.

“Most of my family has graduated from Troy University and were a part of the Greek life so it was nice to carry on the traditions,” Starling said. “I have loved calling Troy my home; the university has been so special to me and I have loved getting to meet new friends throughout college. Some of those friends have now become my best friends. My entire family lives in town and it has been a blessing to have them so close by whenever I needed it.”

Starling says the best parts about attending a university that she grew up around has been the people.

“It’s nice to know some familiar faces on the campus but it’s also great to live at home and still get home cooked meals,” Starling said. “I will start the master’s program for social work this fall and then I hope to work with a foster care agency one day, but we will see where God takes me.”

Japan’s Atlanta consulate-general Takashi Shinozuka provided the keynote address.

“Find your dream and what you want to become, then do your best to achieve it,” Shinozuka said. “America is the best, because America is good.”