Now serving as the Marine Corps Staff director in Washington, D.C., the former commanding general of Marine Corps Logistics Command advised the students of Albany Technical College to not use failures as an opportunity to give up.

Lt. Gen. Willie Williams, while using his own experience in the Corps as an example, gave this message at the institution’s 50th anniversary convocation at the Albany Civic Center on Friday.

“This school and its opportunities provided right now offer chances for success,” Williams said. “Albany Technical College defines its success through its students and through its alumni. The success it enjoys is truly a testament to its past.

Read more: Albany Herald