Fall graduate overcomes near-death battle with COVID-19 to complete nursing degree
When Wesley Fischer crossed the stage during Fall 2023 Commencement at Georgia Southern University to acknowledge the completion of his degree in nursing, it was a full-circle moment. Just two years prior, Fischer was unsure of his future in school, and at one point, unsure whether he would live.
‘I can do hard things:’ Wife, mother, guardsman Madison Gomez graduates with honors
For Honors College graduate Madison Gomez, receiving a college diploma involved much more than crossing a stage or moving a tassel. It was an act of discipline, perseverance and sheer will — accomplished while she was facing some of the most significant changes of her life.
Georgia Southern journalism graduate hopes to ‘be a voice’ for Asian, Black stories
Growing up, Javon Huynh always wanted to follow in his mother and grandmother’s footsteps by going into the education field. In his small hometown of Waycross, Georgia, Huynh worked at the local YMCA where he gained experience working with children. He felt this solidified his plans to become a middle school teacher. But not long after he began his educational journey at Georgia Southern University, Huynh experienced a profound loss that ultimately changed the trajectory of his life.
Georgia Southern double major earns bachelor’s in anthropology and Chinese fueled by a lifelong passion for ancient languages and cultures
Austin Gasiecki has a passion for ancient languages and for the study of people and cultures around the world. When he crossed the stage at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on Dec. 14, Gasiecki received bachelor’s degrees in both anthropology and Mandarin. The new Georgia Southern University graduate dates his love for both subjects to his childhood as a home-schooled student.
Georgia Southern senior defies convention, navigates online classes to cross the finish line in just two years
Rebekah Dyar is graduating from Georgia Southern University without ever taking on-campus classes. On Dec. 14, she will receive a bachelor’s degree in world languages focusing on French, after just two years of online classes. In high school, Dyar earned college credits through the International Baccalaureate program, setting the stage for her unconventional yet successful college career.
From grief to graduation: Public Administration graduate uses education as her anchor
When Melinda Roell receives her Master of Public Administration degree this week, she will have defied unimaginable odds.
“Life has a way of surprising you,” Roell said as she recounts her early days, from Flagstaff, Arizona, to when she started college. Life took unexpected turns with marriage, motherhood, a military relocation, back to Arizona, and finally to Georgia for a divorce. To Roell, it didn’t matter. “I’ve always believed in the power of education, no matter what life throws at you.”
Overcoming Challenges: Aysia Berry’s journey to finding her true self at Georgia Southern
Aysia Berry found direction and purpose at Georgia Southern University. Her journey was not an easy one. But her love of dance not only kept her on track but also fueled her determination to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology this December.
“My heart, my life, my everything has been the Latin Rhythm Dance Group,” said Berry. “This organization allowed me to express myself and find a moment of relief in the battle of undergraduate life.”
Approximately 2,100 degrees conferred during Georgia Southern’s 2023 Fall Commencement ceremonies
This week, approximately 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in two Fall 2023 Commencement ceremonies.
