Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller speaks at UA's winter commencement ceremonies.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Speaking today at The University of Alabama’s winter commencement ceremonies, Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller said he is living proof that one person can make a difference in bettering the world’s human condition.

“Habitat has provided housing for more than 200,000 families around the world, and it all started with a little guy from Alabama working with some other folks all across this state and all around the world who wanted to make a difference to realize that all of humanity is made in the image of God,” said Fuller, an alumnus of the UA School of Law, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the ceremony.

In his speech, Fuller told graduates they are now among the elite of the world.

“Only 1 percent of the people in the world get to sit where you are sitting today. You are among the elite of the world now. And the Bible has something to say about people like you and me – ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’

“Ask God to guide you to use your trained mind not only for yourself, but for your community and the world.

“Use your education to benefit you personally, but don’t forget your neighbor,” he said.

“The world will never improve until we have a huge number of men and women like all of you here today that will commit to bettering the human condition.”

Founded in 1976 by Fuller and his wife Linda, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. The homes are sold to those in need at no profit, through no-interest loans. Habitat is at work in 100 countries and has grown into one of the top house builders in the United States—and the largest among nonprofits. More than 900,000 people now have safe, decent, affordable shelter because of Habitat for Humanity’s work around the world

At age 29, already a self-made millionaire, Fuller said he re-evaluated his values and direction. He and his wife decided to sell all of their possessions, give the money to the poor and begin searching for a new focus for their lives. This search led them to Koinonia Farm, a community near Americus, Ga. where people were said to be looking for practical ways to apply Christ’s teachings. Out of their time there, came the model that would become Habitat for Humanity.

Today’s ceremonies, which included 1,100 degree candidates, were broadcast live over the Internet. The webcast will be archived on UA’s website, http://www.ua.edu, and will be available for viewing until Dec. 31.