Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange urged Troy University graduates Friday to put their educations to work as good citizens of their communities, state and nation.

Strange served as keynote speaker for the summer commencement ceremonies at Sartain Hall on the Troy Campus. Approximately 250 students received diplomas from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor.

Strange, who was elected attorney general in 2010, urged the graduates to fulfill the duties of citizenship by being informed voters, by supporting candidates they believe in and by offering themselves for service in public office.

“The right to vote is fundamental,” he said. “Over the last 200-plus years over 1 million Americans have died at home and abroad defending this most sacred right. It is a responsibility not to be taken lightly or to be neglected.”

Strange told the graduates they have an obligation to consider serving in public office at some point in their lives.

“We need more of our best and brightest to serve the public interest,” he said. “I’m not just talking about statewide office—you can run for city council or serve on a local library board. After only six months in office, I can tell you that serving your fellow citizens is a great privilege. Seize those opportunities when they arise.”

As a private attorney, Strange has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America®, named Best of the Bar by the Birmingham Business Journal, and recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers” in Alabama by Birmingham Magazine. He received his undergraduate and law degrees at Tulane University. He and his wife, Melissa, have two sons.

Butler County residents earning a Bachelor of Science degree include Greenville’s Kendra DeAmber Mitchell and Mikki Jomia Harris and McKenzie’s Kyle Lee Stansell.

Butler County residents earning a Bachelor of Arts degree include Georgiana’s Chad Anthony Rossi and Greenville’s Elisa Ann Campbell.