TOWSON, Md. — Alphonso Faltz Jr. walked across the stage at SECU Arena not just as a graduate, but as the voice of Towson University's class of 2026.
Known on campus as Zo, Faltz delivered the commencement address to his fellow graduates, drawing on two of the most painful moments of his life.
"May 24th, 2018, was the day my grandmother was killed in a car accident. March 15, 2019, was the day my one and only sibling was found in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, after being missing for 77 days," Faltz said.
Towson University graduate Alphonso Faltz Jr. delivered a commencement address rooted in personal loss, resilience, and purpose
His brother, Chaz, left his bartending job in Mount Vernon one December night and was never seen again. He was 29 years old. Faltz was 15 at the time.
Rather than letting grief define him, Faltz said it became his driving force.
"Hard times will come, but they will not last. In losing my two best friends, my brother and grandmother, they become my why, my anchor, my foundation. Why I live, the way I am, the way I am," Faltz said.
During his time at Towson, Faltz became homecoming king, served as president of the Rhythm Step Team, and authored a book.
"What they don't tell you, Vol 1, real talk, no filter is the title of my book. It was named number one in motivational and inspirational poetry and a top new release on Amazon," Faltz said.
Throughout those achievements, he said he carried the memory of both his grandmother and his brother.
"She was the kind of grandmother who always cared about me; she was my biggest supporter. My brother, we always say there's no love like sibling love," Faltz said.
Chaz was also a poet and a poker player. Faltz said his brother's unfulfilled dreams continue to motivate him.
"That's something I carry with me is that my brother wasn't able to live out his dream to the fullest, so now I take it upon myself to carry his memory along with me, but also use his memory as a foundation to always strive for the sky, because that's what he always did and what he always instilled in me," Faltz said.
Faltz credits his faith and his personal motto — always show love — with helping him reach this milestone.
He is graduating with a degree in psychology and plans to return to Towson University next year to pursue a master's degree in counseling psychology.
"I want to be able to provide mental health services to youth, including adolescents, young adults and athletes. That's what I believe my mission is, to remind people that you are here for a purpose," Faltz said.
He closed his commencement address with a message for his classmates.
"I want you to remember that you are resilient, you are tenacious and you can conquer anything you put your mind to. Thank you and congratulations to the class of 2026," Faltz said.
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