More than 800 students received degrees during the College of Arts and Science spring commencement on Saturday, May 16, in the Hearnes Center. Dean Michael J. O'Brien presided over the ceremony, which included remarks by Chancellor Brady Deaton, Associate Dean Ted Tarkow and keynote speaker, Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, commanding general of the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center and Fort Leonard Wood.
Tarkow highlighted the diversity and significant achievements of the class of 2009 by mentioning several exceptional students. Five students graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and 250 of them graduated with honors. The class of 2009 included Truman and Goldwater Scholars as well as Fulbright and Boren recipients. A set of twins graduated together, as did a husband and wife.
O'Brien met Martin a few months ago when he toured Fort Leonard Wood. At that time, O'Brien was struck by the fact that Martin conducted the briefings and tour personally. In addition, Martin's excitement and his ability to motivate his command impressed the dean.
"He's the embodiment of what our modern armed forces wants and needs to be — a cadre of thoughtful, intelligent people who prefer peace to conflict but who will do whatever it takes to protect our great country," says O'Brien.
Martin graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with a bachelor's degree and earned master's degrees in civil engineering and technology policy as well as a doctorate in engineering management and public policy from MIT. He also has master's degrees in strategic studies from both the Naval and Army War Colleges.
He has served in troop leadership positions in Europe and the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and has received numerous awards and decorations. Martin and his wife, Maggie, have three sons.
Martin began his speech by saying he wanted to take back to the Army the university's four values: respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.
"Those are the hallmarks of who you are and what you will be in the future," said Martin. "You will make things better for the world."
Martin said his dream for the graduates is that they find their passion — that they find what turns them on so they jump out of bed excited about what they will do that day. He also challenged the graduates, asking them, "What will you do in order to be a responsible leader of character that makes the world a better place?"
Martin's comment that he is proud that the United States still has a strong volunteer Army resulted in a burst of applause from the audience. He went on to say that he believes this generation could be the next greatest generation because, after eight years of war, there are still young volunteers willing to go to war to defend our country.
His job in the Army, Martin says, is to take good people and help make them better, so they can go out and defend our nation.
In his closing, Martin told the graduates to strive for balance in their lives. Don't forget to make time for friends, family, fitness, food and fun.
"I envy you for what you are going to do," said Martin. "You will make a difference. Carpe diem."
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