William Croft to Deliver Keynote Address at Valdosta State University Convocation Ceremony

2016 Apr 13

William "Jake" Croft of Valdosta, Georgia, is the Spring 2016 keynote speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences at Valdosta State University.

All graduating students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher were invited to submit a speech and video to be considered for this honor. Croft was ultimately selected by faculty, staff, and administrators from the College of Arts and Sciences.

VSU will celebrate its 221st commencement on Saturday, May 7.

Croft will address his faculty, fellow graduates, family, and friends at the College of Arts and Sciences convocation at 4 p.m. on the West Hall front lawn. He will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in biology at 8 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

"It is more than just an honor and a privilege but a pleasure to speak to this group of amazing people that I have had the opportunity to grow and learn with while at Valdosta State," said the son of Ira G. Croft Jr. and the late Jonnie Belinda Croft. "I hope that my words provide some inspiration to those who have so greatly inspired me."

Croft will reflect on the great adventure that he and his classmates experienced at VSU. He will also challenge his fellow graduates to make meaningful contributions to society and to carry their passion and drive for learning into the future.

As a student at VSU, Croft was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He was also a member of the Honors College and the Honors Student Association and is the recipient of the 2016 Department of Biology Annual Senior Award.

Croft will pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Fla., in October.

About Valdosta State University:

Valdosta State University is a comprehensive university characterized by outstanding instruction, a wide range of student life opportunities, and a close connection to the community. Established in 1906, the institution's mission is to prepare students to meet global opportunities and challenges through excellence in teaching and learning; to expand the boundaries of current knowledge and explore the practical applications of that knowledge through excellence in scholarship and creative endeavors; and to promote the economic, cultural, and educational progress of the community and region through excellence in service outreach.

Valdosta State University seeks to accomplish this mission in a dynamic, student-centered learning environment marked by a respect for diverse abilities, backgrounds, and contributions by all members of the university community.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/welcome.php