After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Orleans, Maurice Carlos Ruffin went on to earn a law degree and became a practicing attorney. However, he longed to be a writer, Ruffin said.

Stories were his passion, Ruffin said Friday at UNO’s Lakefront Arena where he delivered the keynote address during the fall commencement ceremony.

“I had one little problem; I didn’t know how to write,” Ruffin said. “This wasn’t a roadblock though. Why? Because any passion you have requires commitment.”