Messages to New Graduates

Congratulations LMU Class of 2020

Railsplitters from around the country join me in welcoming you as the newest members of LMU alumni ranks. We hope you enjoy their messages of encouragement as you begin the next chapter of your life. Always remember that the Office of Alumni Services is here to help you along the way as you find your place and make your mark in this world. We will be here to celebrate you, cheer you on, and welcome you back. Stay in touch and remember to update your contact information with our office so that you don't miss any of the wonderful adventures that we plan throughout the year.

Sheliah Cosby, Class of 1984
Senior Director of Alumni Services
423.869.6353 | sheliah.cosby@LMUnet.edu

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! It will definitely be a year that you will never forget…not getting to walk that famous walk across the stage on Graduation Day. You should know by now what you truly want to become. Have courage to follow your heart and dreams. Be true to yourself and follow your passion. There’s no such thing as perfection. As a former librarian...please read the book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff.”

Congrats to all 2020 Railsplitters!
Judy Hounshell, Class of 1969

To the class of 2020: Well, you’ve run into a snag this year—a big one. You’ve worked so hard, put in the sweat and tears, and finished your degree. Something you can’t even see has robbed you of all the visible fanfare you, and maybe lots of family and friends, were waiting for. But one of the most important functions of college is to prepare you for the life after. Although I wish you every happiness, life will have its many snags, like this one or more challenging. But hold your head up! The pandemic did not rob you of your accomplishment, degree, or self-fulfillment of reaching a major goal! You survived and ended with a story you’ll be telling friends, children and grandchildren around campfires, coffee cups, and dinner tables for the rest of your life. I remember fragments of my graduation day, but you will remember this “special” commencement (beginning) for the rest of your life. Best wishes and God’s peace to you! If no one has said it, I’m proud of you, all of you!

Emma Cox Millett, Class of 1992

Congratulations to the Class of 2020. Although your senior year and graduation are different your names will be added to the rolls of Lincoln Memorial University graduates. You should be most proud of your journey, your challenges, and your accomplishments. Thanks to your parents and loved ones, the faculty and staff at LMU, and your perseverance you have made it to graduation. You are not entering a perfect world but one that you are equipped to excel. Everyone is proud of you. God Bless the Class of 2020!

Marty Keeley, Class of 1973

Congratulations LMU Class of 2020! What an incredible school of higher education you just completed! They have given you every tool you need in this world to make a difference in your chosen field. I know from experience and am forever grateful for that. Follow your heart as it will never lie to you. It will remain true when nothing else will. Good luck in all you do and Go Splitters!

Steve Day, Bachelor of Business Administration, Class of 1989

Venture into the world knowing your LMU education will serve you well. Whether you are continuing on with post-graduate work or starting your career, be assured you are backed with a powerful degree from a first-class institution.

Bill Hoffard, Class of 1971

To the LMU Class of 2020, believe in yourselves and all that you have accomplished. May all your dreams come true and may you have the courage to pursue them. My prayer is that you will be richly blessed in your future. Congratulations!

Gary McCann, Class of 1995
LMU Alumni Board President

Just remember, the mind's like a parachute -- if it's not open; it's not worth a crap -- DREAM BIG AND WORK HARDER

Doug Potter, Class of 1980

Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” —Nora Ephron

You’ve worked hard over the last four years; lead with passion, an open mind and learn from your mistakes. There will be many. No matter where you go, what path you take, only you can create the life you want. Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment.

Brianna Houghland, Class of 2005

Congratulations graduates! Even though this year has proven to be a series of unprecedented events in many ways, know that you are also resilient and have accomplished your dream of graduation. You will always be welcome here at LMU as a distinguished alumni.

Cindy Peters, Class of 1972

Congratulations class of 2020. Your class has made history with Coronavirus19. Follow your dreams as you start a new chapter in your life. LMU Railsplitter for life.

Verhonda Hembree Wilson, Class of 1980

Congratulations on your accomplishment. I hope each of you take time to celebrate your hard work and thank those who have helped you along the way. I am confident that you received an outstanding education at LMU and will achieve great things in the future.

Tyler Cosby, Duncan School of Law Class of 2016

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!!!! May God continue to bless you. Keep believing in yourself. Remember: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.. Phil 4:13

Elaine Mabry Huff, Class of 1988

You have worked hard and stayed the course. We celebrate with you and wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life and career. Congratulations on this monumental steppingstone in your life!

Jensen Zearley, Class of 2018

Congratulations to all of our 2020 graduates. I know this year hasn’t gone as you had hoped and planned, but it will make your reunion with friends so much sweeter next fall during Homecoming. I wish you all the best as you make your mark on the world. Go Splitters!

Rick Million, Class of 1978

I would like to congratulate the LMU class of 2020. I know these are difficult and confusing times but you will have “A Million Dreams” to achieve for the future! It doesn’t matter if you are in a crowd or standing alone on Commencement Day, the education and wonderful memories you have experienced at LMU will last a lifetime.

Edie Thompson, Class of 1979

I'm so disappointed that the celebrations you have earned are not being realized for each of you. But I know that the impact you will make on our world will far surpass these short-term disappointments. I give LMU so much credit for molding me to care for my community. I know they have had the same influence on your value system, and I can't wait to see what great things you do in the days ahead. Good luck! I am so proud of your accomplishments and celebrate them with you!

Michelle Huddleston, Class of 1991

Stay humble and love what you do! You may not get the job you want at first, but it will be a steppingstone. Develop skills, talents, knowledge and abilities, demonstrate competence and commitment - those qualities will follow you to the next job and beyond. Have a purpose, set career goals and when possible, a mentor. Wishing you all the best!

Rose Anna Copeland, Class of 1981

As someone else said, “it is a small world and a long life”. Treat people well, build relationships and develop your reputation. Find a values driven company, one that fits you and your passion. Be prepared to embrace and learn things that may seem trivial; you will also learn from your mistakes. Wishing you a great future.

Ernest Copeland, Class of 1981

I congratulate the 2020 graduates of Lincoln Memorial University. My challenge is that you will become men and women of character, defined as: “moral qualities, ethical standards, principles, and the like.” Let me give an example of what I mean by character. In 1976 my wife and I had both graduated from college and were working professional positions. We had discussed for some time that our goal was to build a home. I decided to visit a local lending institution to see if we could obtain a loan. I was taken to the President of the bank’s office and explained my wife and I wanted to build a home and inquire if we could borrow the necessary funds. The bank President looked at me, a person he did not know, and asked three questions: 1. Who is your father? 2. Who is your wife’s father? 3. How much do you wish to borrow? Why was our receiving a loan so simple? I would say character, not our character, but the character of our parents. The banker recognized the family names and knew the character of our parents. Unfortunately, we live in a different world today. It is becoming more difficult to determine who is trustworthy; who has character. Jesse Stuart, a 1929 graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, a noted American writer, school teacher, and school administrator, stated he believed the most important job of schools was to promote character development. Later in his life, Stuart made a similar statement when he said he would rather have a student with C grades and an A character than an A student with a C character. He went on to say you could never trust the one with a C character. Let me challenge you to be the person with an A character. Throughout my lifetime, I have tried to live by the following words found in Proverbs 3:1-6 and encourage you to remember them as you enter this new phase of your lives. “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” I wish each of you the best as you follow your dreams. May God bless.

Harold Jerrell, Class of 1987