Wes Allen urges Troy graduates to embrace work ethic, perseverance at summer commencement

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July 31, 2025

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen returned to his hometown recently to deliver the keynote address at Troy University’s summer commencement ceremony, where nearly 350 graduates were honored.

Allen, a Troy University alumnus who earned his Master’s degree from the institution, addressed the Class of 2025 in a ceremony held at Trojan Arena. The event was especially meaningful for the Secretary of State, whose son, Davis, also graduated from Troy University in 2024.

“I want to thank Troy University and Chancellor Jack Hawkins for inviting me to give the keynote address at Troy’s summer commencement,” Allen said. “It was a great honor to give a few remarks to the graduates. As a Troy University alumnus, I am eager to see the impact that these graduates will have on our state and our nation.”

Allen used his address to offer personal insights and encouragement to the graduates as they prepared to enter a new phase of life. Reflecting on his journey from growing up in Cottondale, Alabama, to serving in the state capitol, he urged students to take ownership of their futures and recognize the importance of having a work ethic.

“Your life will be the sum of all your choices and decisions. And that starts with work ethic. Work ethic is the belief in work as a moral good, and a set of values centered on the importance of doing work. And reflected in a desire and a determination to work hard, to accomplish your goals.”

He also shared advice he received early in his career.

“Plan your work, and work your plan,” he said.

Allen stressed that achieving goals requires intentional effort and perseverance, even when the path is long or difficult.

The secretary shared with the graduates that work ethic means making sacrifices—sometimes missing out on entertainment or social events—in order to stay focused on what matters most.

He emphasized the importance of earning one’s success.

“It is realizing the value in earning what you have and being willing to put in the hours and effort to achieve what is required to live the life that you want to live, not just today, but in the future.”

Allen closed his speech with a message of perseverance, urging graduates to embrace challenges and stay committed to their goals, no matter the obstacles.

“Today is the day you decide that hard work, early hours, late hours, and the chance of failure, will not be enough to keep you from tackling difficult things,” he said.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].