Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen delivered the keynote address at Troy University’s summer commencement ceremony on July 25, addressing nearly 350 graduates in his hometown Trojan Arena.
Allen, who holds a master’s degree from Troy University, thanked Chancellor Jack Hawkins for the invitation and noted the personal significance of the moment—his son, Davis, graduated from Troy in 2024.
“I want to thank Troy University and Chancellor Jack Hawkins for inviting me to give the keynote address,” Allen said. “As a Troy alumnus, it was a great honor to share a few remarks with the graduates. I’m eager to see the impact they’ll have on our state and nation.”
In his remarks, Allen urged graduates to embrace responsibility, discipline and resilience. He posed the question: “Where do you envision yourself ten years from now?” and encouraged long-term planning.
He underscored that success is built on choices and effort—not entitlement: “The world doesn’t owe you anything. Plan your work and work your plan… put down distractions and focus on your goals.”
Allen also addressed adversity directly: “Failure is part of life, but your reaction to it will shape your future… Never, ever quit.”
The ceremony recognized students earning associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, Education Specialist, and doctoral degrees.
