Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey Spoke of Commitment to Marion’s Graduating Cadets
Lt. Gov. Ivey Spoke of Commitment to Marion’s Graduating Cadet
On her first visit to the nation’s oldest military junior college, Alabama Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey arrived on the morning of Saturday, May 11 to give the commencement address to Marion Military Institute’s graduating cadets.
A native of Camden, Ivey noted that a college education was the driving force in providing her ample career opportunities, including teaching, and eventually public service at the state level. She recognized the occasion as a day to celebrate both commitment and accomplishment for MMI cadets earning their associate degrees. “From here,” she said to the class of 2013, “opportunities will confront you. And we should all be so proud that we live in the land of opportunity.”
In conclusion, Ivey asked the audience to consider three principles that have strongly influenced her life: wisdom, honesty, and service to God and country. “Circumstances never determine one’s destiny, thank goodness. But what does determine destiny is wise choice,” she commented. Sharing her patriotic sentiment were numerous military servicemen in attendance for the ceremony, which was followed by an al fresco reception at the President’s Quarters (c. 1912). There were more accomplishments to celebrate that afternoon, as Army ROTC Commissioning at MMI began at precisely 12:30 p.m. At that time, families watched their sons and daughters receive lieutenant’s bars and first salutes—officially becoming officers in the U.S. Army.
CAPTION:
Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey addresses the Marion Military Institute class of 2013 during Spring Commencement.
Marion Military Institute, a member of the Alabama Community College System, educates and trains the Corps of Cadets in order that each graduate is prepared for success at four-year institutions, including the service academies, with emphasis on providing intellectual, moral-ethical, physical-athletic, and leadership development experiences in a military environment. Civilian, military and athletic programs are offered.