Georgia Southern University Recognizes Outstanding Alumni at Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony

Ten Georgia Southern University alumni were honored for their career achievements and support of the University at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet Saturday, April 5 in the Nessmith-Lane Center for Continuing Education Ballroom.

The University’s Alumni Association presented its Alumnus of the Year and Alumnus of the Year in Private Enterprise awards. The prestigious President’s Medal was also presented.
Georgia Southern University’s eight colleges each honored its alumnus of the year as well, in addition to one academic department.

‘Each of these individuals represents what makes this University great our people,” said Bruce Grube, president of Georgia Southern University. ‘Whether leaders in their respective field, hall of famers or outstanding supporters of the institution, all of these outstanding individuals have made significant contributions to Georgia Southern University.”

During the ceremony, Grube presented only the fourth President’s Medal to be awarded at Georgia Southern University to Terry L. Coleman, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and former Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. The President’s Medal is an honor that is reserved exclusively for those who have made extraordinary contributions, dedication and service to Georgia Southern University.

In recognizing the fourth recipient of the honor, President Bruce Grube said, ‘Terry Coleman has made numerous contributions to Georgia Southern University during his 34 years of public service as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Probably his most visible contribution came through his leadership and support in the establishment of the University’s College of Information Technology, the only one of its kind in the Southeast.”

In addition to the President’s Medal, Grube also presented the Alumnus of the Year award to former quarterback and Eagle great Tracy Ham.

‘Tracy’s impact on Georgia Southern University has been well documented whether through his numerous athletics records or through his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Even more impressive than his on-the-field heroics is his commitment to family and community off-the-field. I am proud to recognize someone who is not only one of the greatest collegiate quarterbacks to ever play the game, but a caring husband, father and friend.”

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

2008 Georgia Southern University Alumni Award Winners

    • President’s Medal

Terry L. Coleman, Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture

    • Alumnus of the Year

Tracy Ham (`95), Regional Account Manager, Sony Electronics

    • Alumnus of the Year in Private Enterprise

Rod Meadows (`71) President, Meadows & Macie P.C.

    • College of Information Technology Alumnus of the Year

Matthew Janofsky (`84), Vice President of Application Development,Gladiator Technology Services.

    • Department of Biology Distinguished Biology Alumna

Charlene Jackson (`90), Lead Scientist and Microbiologist,U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Athens, Ga., Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit

    • College of Business Administration Alumna of the Year

Olivia Suggs Flanagan (`69), Retired Vice President, Flanagan and Waycaster Construction Company

    • College of Education Alumnus of the Year

Norris B. Strickland (`53), Owner and resident,Norris B. Strickland and Associates, Inc.

    • College of Health and Human Sciences Alumnus of the Year

Frank Hook (’71), Senior Director of Alumni Relations,Georgia Southern University

    • College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Alumnus of the Year

M. Albert Burke (`61) Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

    • Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology Alumnus of the Year

James Becton, M.D., PhysicianAugusta Orthopaedic Clinic

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