‘Get Invested and Give Back’
Posted on December 12, 2025
U.S. Senator Katie Britt reflected on perseverance, preparation and faith, along with the importance of character and respect, in both leadership and life as the University of South Alabama’s Fall Commencement speaker.
Britt is the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama and the youngest Republican woman to serve in the chamber. At the ceremony, held Dec. 12 at the USA Mitchell Center, 1,300 graduates were recognized.
On South’s impact on the Gulf Coast and beyond:
“As the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, the University of South Alabama has endeavored and succeeded in advancing teaching, research, and service, in only a way this University can: the USA Way,” Britt said. “The University has been a key driver in ensuring that Mobile grew into a key economic engine, not just for our state, but for our nation. Whether it's expanding the port or making sure that we attract global brands, like Airbus and Austal, to bold infrastructure projects like the I-10 bridge, the incredible institution that you all are about to graduate from has not only prepared the next generation, but has set the table to ensure that people know that Mobile matters.”
On the journey behind the achievement:
“Most of what the world deems as achievements have landed at the very top of your resume, as they should. And congratulations on those things and those moments that have mattered to you. Don't allow yourself to believe that those peaks are your only accomplishments. Because in college and throughout life, you have and will have peaks and valleys.
“For some of you, this path to Commencement today has not been an easy one. You may have been the first in your family to attend college. Some of you have gone to school in between working or caring for your family. There were times, I'm sure, when many of you didn't know if you had what it took to finish that paper or wondered if you had truly prepared the way you needed to for that exam. So, when it wasn't easy, you did it. Remember those moments, the ones that you pushed through, when you did a hard thing. You persevered, and it paid off. And today, when you celebrate all of your accomplishments, make sure you look back at those tough times, too. Be grateful for what they taught you. Be humbled by what you learned, and be proud that when life got hard, you pushed through.”
On rejection as redirection:
Drawing from her own early career, Britt shared a moment when stability suddenly disappeared. After law school, she joined a small, 85-year-old law firm, believing it would provide security as she raised two young children. Two months later, the firm announced it was closing.
“The safety of the job that I had chosen, with the life that I had, immediately got turned upside down,” she said. What I have learned is whether it is a misstep, a disappointment, an unexpected event or rejection, many times that is truly redirection. God's purpose for your life is not always what you planned. But when you're called to do a hard thing, you have a disappointment or a setback, standing back up and walking forward makes all the difference. …
“Now, I want to be honest with you. I hope that everything goes your way, but the truth is, that's not gonna happen. And when you get knocked down, or when failure occurs, it's not going to be fun, but I want you to remember two things: One, it doesn't define you, how you handle it does, and two, don't let that prevent you from trying again.”
On preparation, integrity and lifelong learning:
Britt stressed that opportunity often arrives without warning, but preparation makes it possible to seize it.
“You may not have everything mapped out, but if you have character, a strong work ethic and a willingness to keep learning, you will be ready,” she said. “You have to have a good attitude, integrity and be willing to work hard, and you have to treat people the right way.
“If you do all of those things and you take a little bit of time to continue to educate yourself, you will be blown away by what can occur.”
On respect and working across differences:
“Don't be afraid to talk to people who don't think like you. I have found that we have got to give back in this country to treating people with dignity and respect. And you do not have to agree with someone to show them that respect that they deserve.”
Britt noted that some of her most meaningful work has come from collaborating with people who think differently from her.
“Having built relationships that are built on trust and respect allows us to have really tough conversations and move the needle in a positive way for the people that we serve.”
On service and lifting others:
“Be a mentor to those around you, show them a pathway forward, and then step into the arena. Whether that's at your church, whether that's in your workplace, an association, or in your community at large, get invested and give back. That ultimately is going to make the most difference.
“No matter what your role is and our state, and our nation, I know that the foundation that's been created here for you is going to ensure that our world is better because of you.”
To the Class of 2025:
“We’ve got a lot to do in this country, and we absolutely need the men and women in this room to step up and to stand out and to get going.
“Celebrate this great day and all of your accomplishments – the peaks and the valleys and walking up that next hill. I have no doubt our world is going to be better because of you.
“The question is not if you will change the world,” Britt said. “It is how.”
