Jeff Coleman’s message to Troy University graduates this week was simple: be a shining light in the world.
Coleman, a TROY alumnus and local business leader, delivered the keynote addresses during Dothan Campus Fall Commencement ceremonies Sunday at the Dothan Civic Center, and during Montgomery Campus Fall Commencement ceremonies Monday at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Drawing on the classic song “This Little Light of Mine,” Coleman told graduates to go out and “shine your light.”
That light includes a spirit of service along with hard work and accountability, he said.
“When you make a mistake, own that mistake,” Coleman said. “Integrity is the key to strong relationships. Be accountable. Don’t run from your mistakes. Apologize if necessary, and learn from your mistakes. Actions speak louder than words.”
Coleman’s family is the namesake of the Coleman Center for Early Learning a Family Enrichment, an early learning center located on TROY’s Dothan Campus.
Coleman said he’s proud of the facility and the work being done.
“We’re going to transform the world right here in the Wiregrass area,” Coleman said of the center, which opened in September.
He said the graduates joined a prestigious group of Troy University alumni.
“Through this experience you’ve been molded into a vessel of great capacity for good and positive change in the world,” Coleman said.
Coleman is the chairman of Coleman Worldwide Moving and a candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.
About 150 students received their degrees Sunday in Dothan, while 130 walked the stage Monday in Montgomery.
