CEDAR CTIY, Utah - Former Massachusetts first lady Ann Romney addressed graduates of Southern Utah University Friday, and urged graduates to live purpose driven lives.
Romney shared eight pieces of wisdom with the graduates, focusing on traditional advice that included an emphasis on spirituality and forming lasting friendships.
“Exciting adventures, and meaningful relationships, for which your entire education, secular and spiritual, culminating in your years here at Southern Utah University has prepared you,” Romney said.
SUU also honored Romney with an honorary doctorate degree in public service. The university also awarded honorary degrees to Zions Bank president Scott Anderson, and former English faculty member David Lee.
There are more than 1,764 graduates in the SUU class of 2014, Romney urged them to go out into the workforce being a force greater than themselves, reflecting back on the time her husband, Mitt Romney, took over the 2002 Winter Olympics. The couple had been dealing with personal struggles, but accepted the challenge despite those.
“The games were highly successful.” Romney recounted. “We made friends we will treasure for a lifetime, and I found that the therapy and blessings I received in Utah helped put my MS in remission.”
Keeping with a traditional theme, Romney encouraged students to look to the Bible for life lessons, and appreciate parenthood. SUU Students said that a lesson resonated with their future plans.
“I love how she talked about parenting,” said SUU elementary education graduate Marina Woodward. “Being a good mom. I think that’s something I really want to do and so that was advice I know I will use for the rest of my life.”
Not all the advice was serious in nature, Romney told graduates to not let their career over take their lives, and be sure to have fun for at least one hour each day.
