Over 300 Tri-State University graduates will have the opportunity to hear from the president of the AM General. James A. Armour, who served as the HUMVEE® program manager before being appointed to the president’s position, will address graduating students, faculty, staff, and guests during the Saturday, May 6 Commencement ceremony. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Hershey Hall on Tri-State University’s Angola campus.

“It gives us great honor to welcome such an esteemed individual, who stands at the helm of military and special purpose vehicles” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., President of Tri-State University. “James Armour exemplifies the leadership ability and perseverance we hope will influence our graduates at TSU. It is our hope that the entire graduating class can achieve the type of success that Mr. Armour has accomplished.”

Most recently, Armour stood at the forefront of a project that delivered the newest HUMVEE variant to troops in the Middle East. The new model incorporates the latest in removable armor protection providing U.S. war fighters with a tactical advantage against their opponents.

“Mr. Armour has had a storied career in the automotive industry,” added Dr. David Finley, Vice President of Academic Affairs at TSU. “Our graduates should receive some tremendous advice to help them launch their careers in the 21st century.”

Armour arrived in South Bend as Director of Quality at AM General in 1983. After launching the commercial HUMVEE in 1991, whose largest customer is the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command, Armour has persevered for the company through corporate buyouts offers, controversy about armored vehicles, and critical negotiations with the Army. Because of his accomplishments, he earned the industry’s “2005 Most Improved Brand” award in the JD Power survey.

Armour’s success at AM General did not come overnight, instead it involved years of hard work and sacrifice. The son of a tenant farmer in Tennessee, Armour says he learned self-reliance out of necessity. After moving to Detroit, Mich., he took his first position on the night shift of a UAW supplier plant. Armour also went to college at night, earning a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a MBA from the University of Detroit. In addition, he served his country in the Peace Corps.

Tri-State University became affiliated with Armour through his relationship with Trustee Dr. Ralph Trine, who has served as a trustee at TSU since 1990. In addition to speaking at TSU’s Commencement ceremony, Armour and AM General will be providing the school with a HUMVEE for the upcoming Engineering Design Expo.