NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Former Titans Pro Bowl safety Chris Hope was the special guest speaker at Tennessee State University's Honors Convocation on Tuesday. The annual Honors Convocation recognizes students who have excelled at the highest level academically and who have been inducted into national honor societies and the University Honors Program.
Former Titans Pro Bowl safety Chris Hope was the special guest speaker at Tennessee State Universityâs Honors Convocation on Tuesday.
Over 2,400 students with GPAs of 3.0 or higher were honored at this year's event. TSU President, Dr. Glenda Glover, thanked Hope for taking the time to address the honors students.
"Thank you for speaking to these exceptional students. As an honor student yourself when you were at Florida State, these students can relate to you," President Glover said.
Hope knows what he is talking about, too. The Florida State University alum graduated summa cum laude in three and a half years with a degree in Communications. Hope commended students on their academic accomplishments and challenged them to continue working hard in pursuit of their career goals.
"Education is what I am here to talk about," Hope said. "I have always loved playing football, but I never forgot about the importance of a quality education as something to fall back on."
The 12-year NFL veteran emphasized the value of education and its permanency, reminding students it is something they will never lose nor can be taken away.
Hope is also actively involved in numerous community and charitable events, including his own philanthropy, the iCHOPE Fund that provides support for families and individuals from diverse backgrounds in his hometown of Rock Hill, S.C. and communities in Nashville and Atlanta.
"I've always felt, been taught and truly believe that to whom much is given, much more is required," he said. "I wouldn't be in the position I am today without the support and sacrifice from someone else."
