Regions Bank Senior Vice President Lamar Brooks encouraged 75 Troy University graduates Sunday to embrace the responsibilities of leadership.

Brooks delivered the keynote address at the Dothan Campus fall commencement ceremony, which was held at the Dothan Civic Center.

Brooks, a TROY alumnus who currently serves on the Dothan Campus Advisory Board, told the graduates to find their passions and work hard to become leaders.

“Imagine having the opportunity to do what you love every day. You would be more productive and happier at work,” said Brooks, who became senior vice president and market president for Regions Bank in 1997. “There are many responsibilities that go along with leadership, but the rewards are much greater.”

The ceremony took place with social distancing guidelines and with all attendees wearing masks, one example of the adjustments people throughout the world have made in 2020.

“Our country has gone through so much this past year. I hope we’ve all learned a great deal from it,” Brooks said. “I had to work remotely for six months. Some of you took your first online course. It has been a challenging year to say the least. After going through what you have, I know this group has commitment.”

Brooks holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from TROY. He completed Alabama Banking School at the University of South Alabama and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

In 1999, TROY named Brooks the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. He served on the National Alumni Board for 10.

“I’m a Trojan just like you,” he told graduates at the ceremony. “During my years at TROY, I received a great education, but honestly I received a lot more. Instructors not only taught the course material, but also how to apply it to everyday life and my business.”