Armstrong Atlantic State University hosted 2014 Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 10, conferring degrees upon more than 700 students in a graduation ceremony at the Savannah Civic Center.

Armstrong officials students receiving master degrees, bachelor degrees and associate degrees in a wide range of fields. Students from the university’s College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Health Professions and College of Science and Technology marched in a colorful processional and were honored by university representatives. 

Armstrong president Dr. Linda M. Bleicken welcomed the graduates and their families to Spring Commencement. Dr. Irving Victor – a retired physician, local business leader and 1941 Armstrong graduate – served as the keynote speaker. Victor discussed the importance of perseverance and risk-taking.

“You have been given the tools to be successful in whatever you undertake,” he told Armstrong’s class of 2014. “You must take risks and take action. Always remember that nothing in the world will take the place of perseverance and determination.”

At the same time, he emphasized the fact that imperfections and shortcomings are what make everyone special.

“We each have our own unique flaws,” he said. “But it’s the cracks and the flaws that make our lives rewarding.”

Victor has been awarded Armstrong’s first honorary Doctor of Letters, celebrated as one of the university’s Notable Alumni, and inducted into the Armstrong Athletic Hall of Fame. He is also a three-time recipient of Armstrong’s Distinguished Citizen’s Award and a former member of the Armstrong Alumni Board. This Savannah native graduated from Savannah High School and earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Armstrong in 1941. He distinguished himself as the valedictorian of his class at Armstrong’s original downtown Savannah campus and was elected class president.

After graduating from Armstrong, Victor attended the University of Georgia, served in the U.S. Navy, earned a medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and launched a successful career as a local urologist. A respected member of Savannah’s medical community for more than 40 years, he was a practicing physician from 1951 to 1992. In addition to his accomplishments in the medical field, Victor is the co-owner of two popular local restaurants, Vic’s on the River and Huey’s. A dedicated community leader, he has served on numerous local boards, including the United Way of the Coastal Empire, Union Mission, Memorial University Medical Center and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Graduating students like Veronica Calibuso, who recently completed a B.S. in Nursing at Armstrong, felt exhilarated at Spring Commencement. Calibuso, who is originally from the Philippines, will start a full-time position as nurse at a local hospital shortly after graduation.

“It’s been a long journey, but it feels great to graduate,” she enthused. “I’m excited about the future.”

Olivia Violette, who finished a B.S. in Rehabilitation Science at Armstrong, plans to attend graduate school to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

“I’ve been to two other colleges in the past, and Armstrong is definitely the best,” she raved. “Armstrong has great professors, great classes and great programs.”