Travis Mills To Speak At Husson University’s 2024 Graduation Ceremony

Graduations are not only an opportunity to celebrate years of hard work completed by students who have spent time in higher education, but also an opportunity to inspire graduates to bring that work ethic and vision into the next step of their lives.

It's for this reason folks with compelling stories of fortitude, creativity, and motivation are often asked to speak to the crowds of faculty, staff, family, and students at this special ceremony.

Get our free mobile app

Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills has arguably one of Maine's most inspirational stories of bravery, strength, and tenacity to come out of the last few decades. And one lucky University just snagged him for their commencement.

It was announced this week that Husson University has tapped Mills to deliver the keynote speech at this year's 2024 Husson University's Commencement.

Sarah Walker Caron, Director of Communications at Husson, says this year's ceremony will mark the University's 125 Commencement.

"Mills is a motivational speaker, actor, author, and an advocate for veterans and amputees. He is also one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."

"In September 2013, Travis and his wife Kelsey founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed to benefit and assist post-9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. Critical to the foundation’s mission is for the veteran’s family to be included, not just the vet."

Outgoing Husson University President, Robert Clark, who will hand the baton to his newly appointed replacement, Lynne Coy-Ogan this July first, said he hopes that Mills' story will resonate with not only the graduates but their families, too.

"As we prepare to launch students into the world at commencement, Travis Mills’ story of perseverance and defying odds is an inspiration that we hope will stay with our graduates and their families for years to come,” said Husson University President Robert A. Clark, Ph.D. “We are so grateful and appreciative that Mills will deliver the address.”

Husson University's commencement ceremony will take place Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 AM at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.