Message from the President

Dear Mercer Graduate:

Congratulations! Today, we celebrate you. You have reached one of the most significant milestones of your life. Commencement marks not only the completion of your degree, but the culmination of years of dedication, curiosity, resilience and growth. Along the way, you learned more about yourself, formed deep and lasting friendships, and prepared to make a meaningful contribution to your community and the world. As you graduate, you leave with new confidence, hard-earned knowledge and accomplishments that deserve to be honored. Today is a celebration of those achievements, and it is also a celebration of your families, friends and supporters who stood beside you. They are incredibly proud of you, and so are we.

As your next chapter commences, know that you carry with you the full support of this University community. Whether this is your first, second or even third Mercer degree, Mercer University is part of the fabric of your life forever. You will always be part of the Mercer story, and more importantly, the Mercer family. Wherever your path leads, whether to a career, further studies, volunteerism and service or other new adventures, may you take your next steps with courage, integrity, optimism and the unwavering Mercer spirit. The world needs your unique talents and contributions, now more than ever.

Again, on behalf of the entire Mercer community, I offer you my most heartfelt and joyful congratulations. We are celebrating with you and look forward with excitement to all that you will accomplish as you embrace the opportunities to make a positive impact on the world around you. We are honored that you chose Mercer and hope that you will stay in touch with the University in the years ahead.

As always, GO BEARS!

Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., CLAS ’90, ’92
President