‘Generate Greatness’: Vera Stewart inspires AU's Class of 2025
By Rodrigo J. Burgos-Avila | Editor in chief
In the bright lights of the Augusta Marriott Convention Center, friends and families filled the seats, cameras popped and graduates grinned in their caps and gowns at Augusta University's 2025 undergraduate commencement on Friday, May 9.
But beyond the celebration, the memory that lingered was the speech that keynote speaker Vera Stewart of the VeryVera television show delivered. Stewart, who talked about her childhood growing up with four siblings and her schoolteacher mother after her father died when she was just 7 years old, emphasized persistence, purpose and doing everything in "good taste."
Stewart, a businesswoman with a long association with the Masters golf tournament and television star (her show is seen locally on WJBF News Channel 6), paid tribute to her mother, who "created greatness" and "made a difference." That value of making a difference was the essence of Stewart's speech. She urged graduates not just to achieve, but to inspire humanity.
At its heart was a thought-provoking and creative definition of the term dream:
D is for determination, the motivation that helped her surmount professional hurdles.
R stands for responsibility, reminding us to own up to our actions and commitments.
E stands for enthusiasm, reminding us to stay enthusiastic.
A stands for attitude, a powerful force driving every achievement.
M stands for management, reminding us to multitask, manage our time, one of the most important skills every student should have, and set clear goals.
“Be a goal setter," she encouraged the new grads. "Whatever you do, do it in good taste."
Stewart's message was more than an inspirational speech; it was a life plan. As students move into a world of uncertainty and opportunity, her call to "generate greatness" is both a challenge and a blessing.
As the class of 2025 turns their tassels to the left and looks into the future, they are now carrying with them a reminder that success is not only about achievement, but also about intention, attitude, and the kind of legacy that they wish to leave.
The Friday morning graduation ceremony was one of three in two days for AU. On Thursday evening, May 8, graduate students had their hooding ceremony with retired Gen. Geoff Foley as the keynote speaker and Steve Jones as the student speaker. A second undergraduate ceremony was held Friday afternoon.
The student speaker before Stewart in the morning was Ta’zheara Butts. Beatrice Jackson sang the national anthem and the alma mater. In the afternoon, Christina Waller was the student speaker with Jackson again as the student soloist.
President Russell T. Keen presided.
At the Friday afternoon session, the university presented the family of Laken Riley with a posthumous degree in nursing. Riley, an AU nursing student, was murdered in February 2024 in Athens at Oconee Forest Park behind Lake Herrick while out jogging in the morning. She was 22.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos-Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
Augusta University undergraduate students move their tassels to the left after hearing from Kyle Scott, president of the Summerville Alumni Society. At the top of the page, Vera Stewart talks about her childhood where she learns to work hard and be creative. (photos by Rodrigo J. Burgos-Avila/the Bell Ringer)
