Jackson (Tenn.) Sun president and publisher Edward E. Graves urged spring graduates at the University of Tennessee at Martin to use their knowledge to solve the problems in our nation and our world.

Graves, who has 19 years experience in newspaper management, spoke to nearly 600 graduates during the 11 a.m. commencement ceremony Saturday (May 10) in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The graduating class was one of the largest in UT Martin history.

The past four or five years have seen events that have changed our lives, said Graves. Some of these include the growth of the Internet; the dot-com boom; a presidential impeachment; a contested presidential election; and the tragedies and terrors of September 11, the Columbia disaster, Columbine, and the war with Iraq.

"We all think about the problems that we face in this world," Graves said. "Perhaps the lessons that you have learned in the course of study that you have now completed at this university will allow some of you to address some of these problems."

Graves encouraged new graduates to focus on passion, purpose and celebration.

"Life is short. ... Finding a passion about what you do and who you are and what you choose to do in life is critical," he said.

"...Unless you shape your life, circumstances will shape it for you. You have to work, sacrifice and persist to get the results that you want. You are the sculptors of your own future."

The speaker also stressed the value of finding a purpose in life by helping others in the community by involvement in city government, church, hospitals, schools and other institutions.

"I've found that to have a well-rounded life, community involvement is a must," said Graves. "Take an active role in helping others improve their lives. Reject the conventional wisdom that success is only for the rich and famous. ...Yes, disposable income improves the quality of life, but living a rich, rewarding life is better..."

Finally, Graves reminded graduates of the purpose of their commencement ceremony. "I am not here to celebrate your graduation, I am here to celebrate you," he said. "This event will soon pass... I celebrate your work, I celebrate your efforts... It is you, all of you, who bring us here today."

"I urge you to measure your success by your passion for life, your contribution to life and how you celebrate it," Graves concluded. "You can do it. Your future is within you. ...Have a wonderful life."

Graves was named president and publisher of the Jackson Sun in July 2000. He began his newspaper career in 1984 at the Lexington (Ky.) Herald Leader, joined Gannett's Florida TODAY in July 1986, and has held management positions at several Gannett papers in the Southeast.

Graves has been active in the newspaper industry serving on the National Readership Development Committee and as president of the Newspaper Association of America Federation Board. He has served as discussion leader for American Press Institute Newspaper Executive Training seminars and as a panelist for the Brazilian Newspaper Association World Congress, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1999.

He has been awarded the Gannett Presidents Award for Excellence four times and was named the Gannett Circulation Executive of the Year in 1999.

UT Martin Chancellor Nick Dunagan presided over the commencement exercises and conferred the degrees.