TROY—Vision, planning and hard work are the fundamental elements in building a successful life, an insurance executive told Troy University graduates Friday at fall commencement exercises in Sartain Hall on the Troy Campus.

Karen Carter, a Troy University alumna and Agency Field Executive for State Farm Insurance Companies, spoke to a graduating class of approximately 450. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, introduced Carter and conferred degrees.

“No matter what your life’s endeavor, it is important that you know what you want,” Carter told the graduates. “Find what inspires and motivates you to get up every day looking forward to what you can do to make a difference.”

Once the vision is set, create a plan of action and then work the plan, Carter said.

“Today, I recruit and hire candidates who demonstrate a desire to work hard.  I look for candidates who have the ‘edge,’ who want to have more in life than just a ‘job.’  They want to realize dreams and enable others to do the same.  They demonstrate a spirit of enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence,” she said.

Carter closed her remarks with a charge to the students to be active alumni.

“Come back to participate in university events,” she told the graduates. “Volunteer your time.  One day when you make money— and you will one day — think about Troy University and what you can give back through planned gifts.”

Carter is a chartered life underwriter and chartered leadership fellow, and a 1973 graduate of Troy University. She earned marketing certification at the Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University, and has completed leadership concentrations in Stanford University’s Executive Program, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and the Dow Leadership College at Hillsdale College. She serves as a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees and is chairman of the Troy University Foundation.

Butler County graduates receiving Bachelor of Science degrees included Elisa Ann Campbell, Carrie Michelle Cawley, James Kenneth Spikes and Tanesha Jeanetta Womack.

Kalette Renae Mixon was awarded a Masters degree.