by:  Inga Oberst/ Troy University

DOTHAN – Troy University conferred degrees on approximately 165 students during Spring 2006 Commencement Exercises in Dothan. Business major Marcus Lennon was among the proud graduates receiving diplomas.  

“This is one of the most exciting days of my life,” Lennon said. “I am finally moving on to the next phase.” 

The Dothan resident’s next phase involves a career with Regions Bank, where he will begin management training.

Keynote Speaker Forrest Latta, who is a Mobile attorney and a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees, congratulated Lennon and the other graduates. Just as the railroad helped shape Dothan’s early history, Latta urged them to be part of the region’s future by combining education and technology.

“The fact that you are here today, celebrating this educational achievement, says that you are on that rail to success,” Latta remarked, “and that this whole region is on that rail to success. With people like you, and that kind of attitude, the opportunity that the world now offers will not pass us by.” 

New graduate Lupita Mendoza of Enterprise will help shape southeast Alabama’s future through her work in the classroom. Mendoza, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, plans to become a teacher.

Mendoza’s 8-year-old son watched as she crossed the Dothan Civic Center stage to accept her diploma.

“It is just a great achievement,” Mendoza said. “I am trying to be a role model for my two sons.”

After years of teaching computer and business classes, Carol Ann Dennis of Ozark earned a Master of Science in Foundations of Education. In August, Dennis enters the doctoral program at Auburn, where she will study history.

“My degree from Troy University is the foundation for the Ph.D.,” Dennis said. “All of the European history I studied here will supplement the research for my Ph.D.”

Florala resident Stephanie Seay also plans to further her education. Seay, who studied criminal justice as an undergraduate, completed a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

“I hope to get my Ph.D.,” Seay said, “and return to TROY to teach.”

For more information about programs offered at Troy University, call (334) 983-6556.