Approximately 4,400 degrees conferred during Georgia Southern’s 2025 Spring Commencement ceremonies

May 20, 2025

This week, approximately 4,400 graduates from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on May 13, 14 and 15, and at the EnMarket Arena in Savannah on May 17.

“To our graduates, congratulations,” Marrero said to the crowd. “Today we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. The road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. This commencement is a meaningful milestone not only for each of you personally, but for the entire Georgia Southern community. ”

Speakers included: 

• Business leader Hemant Goel
• Atlanta Falcons place-kicker Younghoe Koo (‘17)
• Retired Brig. Gen. Vincent E. Buggs (‘90)
• Marketing leader Cecilia Tran Arango (‘02)
• Business leader Don L. Waters (’75)

Goel opened the graduation ceremonies at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, following a warm introduction from Marrero, who shared highlights about the speaker’s business leadership. He also shared his family’s commitment to the Goel Scholar program, which offers a full-ride scholarship and mentorship to an Honors College student.

“It’s a privilege to witness this graduating class,” said Goel. “What I want you to know is that you are ready. You’re prepared. You’ve taken all this time for this moment in the last four years. 

“When you go out in the world, be curious. Ask questions. Assume nothing.”

After a few years in the workforce, Goel encouraged the students to have a mission vision for their lives. 

“That makes evaluating opportunities that much easier,” he said. “And you don’t just drift along. In fact, that’s what helped me and guided me throughout my career. And it came full circle and we decided to then partner with Georgia Southern for the scholarship program that was in alignment with my mission vision.”

As Koo stepped up to the podium on Wednesday, he celebrated the graduates’ hard work, late nights, tough choices and big dreams. 

“It’s also a celebration of something less visible, but even more powerful,” Koo said. “Perseverance. Now, perseverance doesn’t come with a certificate. There is no gold medal for showing up when it’s hard or pushing through when no one’s watching. But if you look back on your journey at the moments that truly shaped you, it probably wasn’t the easy victories. It was the setbacks, the failures, the doubts and the fact that you didn’t give up.”

Koo shared his own story, which included multiple setbacks after landing his dream job as a professional kicker for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he was released from his contract after four games into the season due to poor performance. After two years and 22 more tryouts for the NFL he was later signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he continues today.

“Perseverance defeats talent every single time,” he emphasized. “And it builds a strength that can’t be taught in books or earned in a classroom. Whatever you choose to do next — start a job, travel, study, create — know that your resilience is your greatest tool. You may not always be the fastest, the smartest, or the luckiest, but if you don’t quit, you will outlast the odds. 

“So class of 2025, go forward with pride. Be relentless in your pursuit. Be patient with your progress. And when life gets difficult — and it will — remember that the road to greatness is never straight but it is always worth walking. Because perseverance doesn’t just help you reach the finish line. It teaches you who you are on the way there. Congratulations and keep going.” 

Buggs, a decorated military officer whose three decades of service includes awards from around the world, reminded graduates what it means to move forward with honor and remembrance. 

“Today marks the beginning of a journey that will not be easy,” said Buggs. “I want to encourage you to embrace a new phase of change. The world will always change, so it’s essential to remember the lessons and experience you have gained here at Georgia Southern. 

“Life always presents challenges. It’s not fair, but you are shaped by the Eagle Creek water. Remember, eagles don’t fly, they soar. And when a storm arises, eagles are the only birds that embrace turbulence. While you cannot change the past, you have the power to shape the future. Be kind. Take time to discover your purpose. Challenge yourself every day and strive to make the world a better place.”

In Savannah, Arango shared her optimism.

“This is your day,” she said enthusiastically. “Take it in. Look around. Every person cheering you on sees the potential in you. Even on the days when you can’t quite see it yourself.”

As the child of parents who escaped communism in pursuit of a better life in the U.S., Arango shared she excelled in school with the sole focus of making her family proud. During her freshman year of college, she became pregnant. Terrified, she juggled academics with motherhood and still graduated magna cum laude. 

“I proved that nothing and no one could define my future but me,” Arango said. “What got me through? Resilience. People ask if I’d change anything. And no, I wouldn’t. Setbacks aren’t the end. They’re turning points. Mine made me a fighter and proved I can do hard things. And so can you.”

She encouraged the graduates to ignore the imposter syndrome — everyone is winging it every single day — and to not wait until they’re ready to try something new. She also emphasized the importance of building an intentional, solid community and focusing on internal growth.

“You’ve already proven you can do hard things,” she said in closing. “Explore boldly. Keep learning. Ask the big questions and then go build the answers. The world is waiting for you.”

In the final ceremony, Don L. Waters and Cindy Waters, for whom Georgia Southern’s Waters College of Health Professions is named, were each awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters.

Following, Don Waters delivered the commencement speech.

“Today, we celebrate not just an academic milestone, but the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to caring for others,” he said. “Each of you has worked tirelessly to reach this point, overcoming obstacles, dedicating yourself to what classical educators once called the healing arts. 

“As you prepare to step into the world, I want to remind you of the profound role you will play. Public health and all health professions are not just jobs. They are callings. You will be the ones who heal the sick, comfort the suffering and work tirelessly to prevent disease and promote wellness in our communities. Your work will touch every corner of society, from the intimate moments of patient care and the decisions that you will help families make to the broad strategies of public health policy. You are entering fields that demand not only skill and knowledge, but also heart and empathy to inspire you on this path.”

Waters also noted the importance of excellent health care indicators in the region, which are key to the success of the area’s economic growth. 

“Good health and prosperity go hand in hand,” Waters stated. “You are part of this growing health care industry. We need you to stay right here with us and help us build out this region of the state. In doing so, you will help others, but you will also enjoy a share of this prosperity. Congratulations, graduates. You are now ambassadors of health and healing. The world is better for having you in it. Go forth and make a difference.”

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 27,506 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.