Auburn University graduated 1,277 students Saturday during commencement ceremonies held at the Auburn Arena.
"You are joining a special family of Auburn University graduates today," Auburn University President Jay Gogue said.
Thom Gossom Jr., the first Black athlete to graduate from Auburn University, was the commencement speaker for the ceremonies.
Gossom, who has appeared in numerous feature films and television shows, addressed the new graduates and their families about using their experiences at Auburn to write the screenplay of their own lives.
"The beautiful thing about this film of your life is you get to write the script," Gossom said. "You get to determine what happens to the protagonist. Also as a result of your graduation today, your character will possess the intangible asset: the Auburn brand. "
According to Gossom, the intangible asset is something that Auburn graduates can use to carry themselves through whatever path they choose to take in their lives.
"The brand of Auburn University can and will help you write the second act of your life," Gossom said. "What we all have in common is the intangible asset. The intangible asset now resides within all of us."
Gossom's speech was praised by many parents after the ceremony as personal and encouraging for the recent graduates as they move on in life.
"The speech was good and very insightful I thought," said Steve Yadloczky, the father of recent graduate Carlie Yadloczky. "It will be helpful for a lot of people; hopefully they can carry on the Auburn Way."
Although she considers it a relief to be finished with school, Yadloczky, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a minor in human development, says her graduation is bittersweet and she'll miss the school she's called home for four years.
"I'll certainly be back on campus within a few months," Yadloczky said.
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