University System of Georgia regent and chamber of commerce executive Bárbara Rivera Holmes drew from personal and professional experiences as she spoke to Columbus State University graduates on Friday, Dec. 8.

As the featured speaker at all three of the university’s commencement ceremonies, Holmes — president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce — commended graduates for the decisions that led them to Columbus State and their graduation.

“Every choice you make — and every choice you don’t make — leads somewhere,” she observed. “Some choices are small steps. … Some choices are leaps. No matter — every choice sets a path to a destination. In fact, through a series of your choices … we are together, today, in celebration.”

As both a regent and business leader, Holmes advocates for workforce and economic development. She emphasized to the graduates that, through their educational and future achievements, they too will build communities where they will live, work and lead.

“Businesses across our state and country are hungry — starving, even — for you: your talent, your work ethic, your character,” she said. “And when you get that job, if you don’t already have it, your education will allow you to earn more, which will allow you to support yourself and your community. It will allow you to reinvest in your community and in our economy, and help both to grow.”

Holmes pointed out to the fall semester Class of 2023 that the same tenacity and grit they relied on to navigate their college studies would be required in their post-graduate lives, whether that includes beginning or continuing a career, pursuing additional education or serving in the military.

“Grit keeps you moving toward your vision and goals, even if reaching them is uncertain. Grit allows you to fail, stand back up and take action,” she said. “Throughout your careers and your lives, you will make mistakes or not get it quite right. I do. We all do. Some mistakes will be small. Some will be big. Own them. Remember them. Celebrate them.”

During its Dec. 7-8 commencement events, the university bestowed undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates on more than 730 graduates. They join the 40,000-plus students who have graduated from the university since its founding as Columbus College in 1958. Holmes' full remarks can be viewed online from the university's graduation website.