Mayor Kelly delivers UTC keynote commencement address

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — UTC celebrated its 262nd overall commencement for the university on Saturday with two graduation ceremonies.

Mayor of Chattanooga, Tim Kelly, gave the keynote address at the 1 o’clock commencement ceremony.

“I often say, as you’ve heard up here earlier, there are no great cities without great universities. So it warms my heart to see UTC continue to make fantastic strides towards earning that distinction,” Kelly said.

As a former UTC adjunct professor, the mayor encouraged graduates as they embarked on their journeys to practice gratitude and courage.

“Practicing gratitude provides the old axiom- that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change… Courage expands our capacity for gratitude. When we’re courageous, we’re more open to new experiences and opportunities. This openness allows us to see and appreciate the good things in our lives, even when they are small or hidden,” Kelly said.

The ceremony highlighted various student success stories.

Families and friends came out to support their Mocs graduates as they entered the next phase of their lives.

UTC Honor graduate, Ayab Farah said, “I come from a family of immigrants. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee, so this is something that has always been in the cards for me. Success has never been nothing but an option. It’s been something that I’ve had to do. So it means a lot to go here in this institution and be able to do what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

He went on to thank faculty members and professors who have guided him along the way.

“When I came here, there was a lot of faculty and staff that genuinely cared about you. Having that warm, genuineness was something that I was really grateful for. I’m still going to hold on to those connections and opportunities that they gave me,” Farah added.

Farah was just one of the inspiring students celebrated.

Nearly 700 undergrads and 130 graduate students celebrated their achievements this weekend.

Mayor Kelly encouraged the students that they will always have a home in Chattanooga, wherever life may take them.

Kelly laughed by saying, “Being a new mayor, I’ve only given one other commencement speech. And that was to graduating fifth graders… But probably more astounding still is that I’m going to give you the same advice that I gave them. Because I think it’s just as relevant— You better get weird. By that I mean, it’s time to get creative.”

The mayor inspired graduates with ancient philosophy from Cicero and Aristotle.

Some of his inspiring remarks from this keynote address are as follows:

“The courage to stand up for what you believe in. To stand up for what’s right and true… And the courage to be yourself… Are all critically important ways to improve yourself, improve your sanity, improve society, all at the same time.”

“When we step outside our comfort zones and face our fears, which takes courage, we develop a deeper sense of resilience and an appreciation for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment.”

“Gratitude builds courage. Practicing gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have.”

Special remarks were also made by members of UTC faculty– Jerold Hale (Provost), Randy Boyd (President of UTC), Steven R. Angle (Chancellor), Ken Jones (Alumni Board President)–and Student Body President, Chamyra Teasley.

TVFCU Vice President of Corporate Engagement Dionne Jenkins delivered the graduation charge for graduate students on Friday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

UTC alum David Wade, the president and CEO of EPB, gave the keynote address for the 9 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Separate ceremonies were necessary because of temporarily reduced capacity due to McKenzie Arena construction.