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Commencement exercises are on the way for the graduating class of December 2010.
As graduating seniors and graduate students are preparing to receive their caps and gowns, taking final exams and making sure that their community service requirements are fulfilled, this year's commencement speaker, Tierney Bates, is preparing words of wisdom for the graduating class.
Bates, a native from Cleveland, is the director of development at the University of Tennessee, College of Architecture and Design.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a minor in African-American history and his Master of Arts degree in higher education administration, both from University of Akron.
Bates, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is a motivational speaker who describes himself as passionate and energetic.
When he speaks to college students he focuses on life stories and tries to help them think twice about their life and using the talents they possess.
Some of Bates previous speeches have been on topics such as "Defining Success for Black Men" and "Black Greeks Wake Up!"
Bates has also spoken at Ball State University and Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.
"For graduation, I want to hear from someone who has walked in my shoes," said Gilbert Morgan senior business administration.
"I want someone who is like me in terms of being a genuine person and someone who was has been where I have been. I want them to give off that kind of I can do it to feeling," said Morgan.
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