![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/SU_8590-Edit-Edit.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sara Plaspohl, DrPH (\u201978, \u201989,
\u201992, \u201910)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTALON AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe retired associate dean of the Waters College of Health Professions has spent more than 45 years dedicated to advancing public health. The Savannah native and alumna of Armstrong State College and Georgia Southern University exemplifies excellence in career, alma mater service and community impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John Cornelius (\u201901)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMARVIN PITTMAN AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA leader in Georgia\u2019s energy industry, John Cornelius exemplifies the University\u2019s core values through a career marked by innovation, integrity and service. Since joining Georgia Power in 2001, he has advanced through numerous technical and leadership roles, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence, collaboration and strategic innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D. (\u201910)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGEORGE & LUCY ARMSTRONG AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA visionary leader in workforce and higher education, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., has built a distinguished career defined by innovation, collaboration and service. In 2025, Whirl was named president of Savannah State University, bringing his leadership to Georgia\u2019s first historically Black college and university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rick Bean (\u201981) and Julie Bean (\u201984)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTHE SWEETHEART AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThough they met in Savannah in 1981 \u2014 shortly after Rick graduated from Georgia Southern and while Julie was in the nursing program at Armstrong State University \u2014 their connection to the University has only grown deeper over the years. Married in 1983, the Beans have spent more than four decades supporting Georgia Southern through service, philanthropy and family tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin A. Scott (\u201900, \u201902)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAs a graduate assistant for Intramural Sports, Kevin Scott began building the foundation for his distinguished career in sports officiating. He is now in his 14th season as an NBA referee and is recognized for his exceptional contributions to professional sports and his continued embodiment of Eagle excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nPictured (Top Row):<\/em><\/strong> Nehemiah Robertson, Kevin A. Scott, Julie Bean and Rick Bean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u200bPictured (Second Row):<\/em><\/strong> Garrett Clark, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., Sara Plaspohl, DrPH, The Honorable Van R. Johnson II, John Cornelius
<\/em>Not Pictured:<\/em><\/strong> Meagan Clark, Stephen Gore<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStephen Gore (\u201995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI SERVICE AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStephen Gore has spent nearly five decades advancing the field of respiratory care and supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Through his generosity, time and mentorship, he has made a lasting impact on both the University and the region \u2014 embodying the spirit of the Alumni
Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honorable Van R. Johnson II (\u201992)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY HERO AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGuided by the principles of purpose, passion and people, Mayor Van R. Johnson II has built a legacy of leadership and service that reaches far beyond the city limits. The 67th Mayor of Savannah has spent decades championing equity, youth empowerment and civic engagement at the local, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nehemiah Robertson (\u201924)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nNehemiah Robertson earned the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award, for achieving the highest GPA while completing all academic hours at Georgia Southern University. He graduated with a double major in music composition and music education (choral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGarrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914), founders of Rolling Monkey, have turned a rolled ice cream shop in Statesboro into a purpose-driven business with a lasting community impact. Their award-winning enterprise has earned dozens of accolades, including the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber\u2019s Best Small Business Award. It continues to be a model for how meaningful leadership can drive both profits and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia Southern University\u2019s Alumni Association celebrated the highest levels of achievement, service and impact among its graduates during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19, 2024. From professional excellence to community service and lifelong commitment to the University, the honorees exemplify what it means to be True Blue. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-12154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2025"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The retired associate dean of the Waters College of Health Professions has spent more than 45 years dedicated to advancing public health. The Savannah native and alumna of Armstrong State College and Georgia Southern University exemplifies excellence in career, alma mater service and community impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John Cornelius (\u201901)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMARVIN PITTMAN AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA leader in Georgia\u2019s energy industry, John Cornelius exemplifies the University\u2019s core values through a career marked by innovation, integrity and service. Since joining Georgia Power in 2001, he has advanced through numerous technical and leadership roles, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence, collaboration and strategic innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D. (\u201910)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGEORGE & LUCY ARMSTRONG AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA visionary leader in workforce and higher education, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., has built a distinguished career defined by innovation, collaboration and service. In 2025, Whirl was named president of Savannah State University, bringing his leadership to Georgia\u2019s first historically Black college and university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rick Bean (\u201981) and Julie Bean (\u201984)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTHE SWEETHEART AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThough they met in Savannah in 1981 \u2014 shortly after Rick graduated from Georgia Southern and while Julie was in the nursing program at Armstrong State University \u2014 their connection to the University has only grown deeper over the years. Married in 1983, the Beans have spent more than four decades supporting Georgia Southern through service, philanthropy and family tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin A. Scott (\u201900, \u201902)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAs a graduate assistant for Intramural Sports, Kevin Scott began building the foundation for his distinguished career in sports officiating. He is now in his 14th season as an NBA referee and is recognized for his exceptional contributions to professional sports and his continued embodiment of Eagle excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nPictured (Top Row):<\/em><\/strong> Nehemiah Robertson, Kevin A. Scott, Julie Bean and Rick Bean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u200bPictured (Second Row):<\/em><\/strong> Garrett Clark, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., Sara Plaspohl, DrPH, The Honorable Van R. Johnson II, John Cornelius
<\/em>Not Pictured:<\/em><\/strong> Meagan Clark, Stephen Gore<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStephen Gore (\u201995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI SERVICE AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStephen Gore has spent nearly five decades advancing the field of respiratory care and supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Through his generosity, time and mentorship, he has made a lasting impact on both the University and the region \u2014 embodying the spirit of the Alumni
Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honorable Van R. Johnson II (\u201992)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY HERO AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGuided by the principles of purpose, passion and people, Mayor Van R. Johnson II has built a legacy of leadership and service that reaches far beyond the city limits. The 67th Mayor of Savannah has spent decades championing equity, youth empowerment and civic engagement at the local, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nehemiah Robertson (\u201924)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nNehemiah Robertson earned the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award, for achieving the highest GPA while completing all academic hours at Georgia Southern University. He graduated with a double major in music composition and music education (choral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGarrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914), founders of Rolling Monkey, have turned a rolled ice cream shop in Statesboro into a purpose-driven business with a lasting community impact. Their award-winning enterprise has earned dozens of accolades, including the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber\u2019s Best Small Business Award. It continues to be a model for how meaningful leadership can drive both profits and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia Southern University\u2019s Alumni Association celebrated the highest levels of achievement, service and impact among its graduates during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19, 2024. From professional excellence to community service and lifelong commitment to the University, the honorees exemplify what it means to be True Blue. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-12154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2025"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
A leader in Georgia\u2019s energy industry, John Cornelius exemplifies the University\u2019s core values through a career marked by innovation, integrity and service. Since joining Georgia Power in 2001, he has advanced through numerous technical and leadership roles, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence, collaboration and strategic innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D. (\u201910)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGEORGE & LUCY ARMSTRONG AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA visionary leader in workforce and higher education, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., has built a distinguished career defined by innovation, collaboration and service. In 2025, Whirl was named president of Savannah State University, bringing his leadership to Georgia\u2019s first historically Black college and university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rick Bean (\u201981) and Julie Bean (\u201984)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTHE SWEETHEART AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThough they met in Savannah in 1981 \u2014 shortly after Rick graduated from Georgia Southern and while Julie was in the nursing program at Armstrong State University \u2014 their connection to the University has only grown deeper over the years. Married in 1983, the Beans have spent more than four decades supporting Georgia Southern through service, philanthropy and family tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin A. Scott (\u201900, \u201902)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAs a graduate assistant for Intramural Sports, Kevin Scott began building the foundation for his distinguished career in sports officiating. He is now in his 14th season as an NBA referee and is recognized for his exceptional contributions to professional sports and his continued embodiment of Eagle excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nPictured (Top Row):<\/em><\/strong> Nehemiah Robertson, Kevin A. Scott, Julie Bean and Rick Bean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u200bPictured (Second Row):<\/em><\/strong> Garrett Clark, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., Sara Plaspohl, DrPH, The Honorable Van R. Johnson II, John Cornelius
<\/em>Not Pictured:<\/em><\/strong> Meagan Clark, Stephen Gore<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStephen Gore (\u201995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI SERVICE AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStephen Gore has spent nearly five decades advancing the field of respiratory care and supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Through his generosity, time and mentorship, he has made a lasting impact on both the University and the region \u2014 embodying the spirit of the Alumni
Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honorable Van R. Johnson II (\u201992)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY HERO AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGuided by the principles of purpose, passion and people, Mayor Van R. Johnson II has built a legacy of leadership and service that reaches far beyond the city limits. The 67th Mayor of Savannah has spent decades championing equity, youth empowerment and civic engagement at the local, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nehemiah Robertson (\u201924)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nNehemiah Robertson earned the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award, for achieving the highest GPA while completing all academic hours at Georgia Southern University. He graduated with a double major in music composition and music education (choral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGarrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914), founders of Rolling Monkey, have turned a rolled ice cream shop in Statesboro into a purpose-driven business with a lasting community impact. Their award-winning enterprise has earned dozens of accolades, including the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber\u2019s Best Small Business Award. It continues to be a model for how meaningful leadership can drive both profits and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia Southern University\u2019s Alumni Association celebrated the highest levels of achievement, service and impact among its graduates during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19, 2024. From professional excellence to community service and lifelong commitment to the University, the honorees exemplify what it means to be True Blue. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-12154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2025"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
A visionary leader in workforce and higher education, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., has built a distinguished career defined by innovation, collaboration and service. In 2025, Whirl was named president of Savannah State University, bringing his leadership to Georgia\u2019s first historically Black college and university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rick Bean (\u201981) and Julie Bean (\u201984)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTHE SWEETHEART AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThough they met in Savannah in 1981 \u2014 shortly after Rick graduated from Georgia Southern and while Julie was in the nursing program at Armstrong State University \u2014 their connection to the University has only grown deeper over the years. Married in 1983, the Beans have spent more than four decades supporting Georgia Southern through service, philanthropy and family tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin A. Scott (\u201900, \u201902)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAs a graduate assistant for Intramural Sports, Kevin Scott began building the foundation for his distinguished career in sports officiating. He is now in his 14th season as an NBA referee and is recognized for his exceptional contributions to professional sports and his continued embodiment of Eagle excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nPictured (Top Row):<\/em><\/strong> Nehemiah Robertson, Kevin A. Scott, Julie Bean and Rick Bean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u200bPictured (Second Row):<\/em><\/strong> Garrett Clark, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., Sara Plaspohl, DrPH, The Honorable Van R. Johnson II, John Cornelius
<\/em>Not Pictured:<\/em><\/strong> Meagan Clark, Stephen Gore<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStephen Gore (\u201995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI SERVICE AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStephen Gore has spent nearly five decades advancing the field of respiratory care and supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Through his generosity, time and mentorship, he has made a lasting impact on both the University and the region \u2014 embodying the spirit of the Alumni
Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honorable Van R. Johnson II (\u201992)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY HERO AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGuided by the principles of purpose, passion and people, Mayor Van R. Johnson II has built a legacy of leadership and service that reaches far beyond the city limits. The 67th Mayor of Savannah has spent decades championing equity, youth empowerment and civic engagement at the local, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nehemiah Robertson (\u201924)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nNehemiah Robertson earned the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award, for achieving the highest GPA while completing all academic hours at Georgia Southern University. He graduated with a double major in music composition and music education (choral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGarrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914), founders of Rolling Monkey, have turned a rolled ice cream shop in Statesboro into a purpose-driven business with a lasting community impact. Their award-winning enterprise has earned dozens of accolades, including the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber\u2019s Best Small Business Award. It continues to be a model for how meaningful leadership can drive both profits and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia Southern University\u2019s Alumni Association celebrated the highest levels of achievement, service and impact among its graduates during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19, 2024. From professional excellence to community service and lifelong commitment to the University, the honorees exemplify what it means to be True Blue. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-12154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2025"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Though they met in Savannah in 1981 \u2014 shortly after Rick graduated from Georgia Southern and while Julie was in the nursing program at Armstrong State University \u2014 their connection to the University has only grown deeper over the years. Married in 1983, the Beans have spent more than four decades supporting Georgia Southern through service, philanthropy and family tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin A. Scott (\u201900, \u201902)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAs a graduate assistant for Intramural Sports, Kevin Scott began building the foundation for his distinguished career in sports officiating. He is now in his 14th season as an NBA referee and is recognized for his exceptional contributions to professional sports and his continued embodiment of Eagle excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nPictured (Top Row):<\/em><\/strong> Nehemiah Robertson, Kevin A. Scott, Julie Bean and Rick Bean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u200bPictured (Second Row):<\/em><\/strong> Garrett Clark, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., Sara Plaspohl, DrPH, The Honorable Van R. Johnson II, John Cornelius
<\/em>Not Pictured:<\/em><\/strong> Meagan Clark, Stephen Gore<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStephen Gore (\u201995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI SERVICE AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStephen Gore has spent nearly five decades advancing the field of respiratory care and supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Through his generosity, time and mentorship, he has made a lasting impact on both the University and the region \u2014 embodying the spirit of the Alumni
Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honorable Van R. Johnson II (\u201992)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY HERO AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGuided by the principles of purpose, passion and people, Mayor Van R. Johnson II has built a legacy of leadership and service that reaches far beyond the city limits. The 67th Mayor of Savannah has spent decades championing equity, youth empowerment and civic engagement at the local, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nehemiah Robertson (\u201924)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nNehemiah Robertson earned the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award, for achieving the highest GPA while completing all academic hours at Georgia Southern University. He graduated with a double major in music composition and music education (choral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nGarrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914), founders of Rolling Monkey, have turned a rolled ice cream shop in Statesboro into a purpose-driven business with a lasting community impact. Their award-winning enterprise has earned dozens of accolades, including the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber\u2019s Best Small Business Award. It continues to be a model for how meaningful leadership can drive both profits and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia Southern University\u2019s Alumni Association celebrated the highest levels of achievement, service and impact among its graduates during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19, 2024. From professional excellence to community service and lifelong commitment to the University, the honorees exemplify what it means to be True Blue. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-12154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2025"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
As a graduate assistant for Intramural Sports, Kevin Scott began building the foundation for his distinguished career in sports officiating. He is now in his 14th season as an NBA referee and is recognized for his exceptional contributions to professional sports and his continued embodiment of Eagle excellence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pictured (Top Row):<\/em><\/strong> Nehemiah Robertson, Kevin A. Scott, Julie Bean and Rick Bean<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u200bPictured (Second Row):<\/em><\/strong> Garrett Clark, Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D., Sara Plaspohl, DrPH, The Honorable Van R. Johnson II, John Cornelius Stephen Gore has spent nearly five decades advancing the field of respiratory care and supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Through his generosity, time and mentorship, he has made a lasting impact on both the University and the region \u2014 embodying the spirit of the Alumni Guided by the principles of purpose, passion and people, Mayor Van R. Johnson II has built a legacy of leadership and service that reaches far beyond the city limits. The 67th Mayor of Savannah has spent decades championing equity, youth empowerment and civic engagement at the local, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nehemiah Robertson earned the 2024 Outstanding Senior Award, for achieving the highest GPA while completing all academic hours at Georgia Southern University. He graduated with a double major in music composition and music education (choral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914), founders of Rolling Monkey, have turned a rolled ice cream shop in Statesboro into a purpose-driven business with a lasting community impact. Their award-winning enterprise has earned dozens of accolades, including the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber\u2019s Best Small Business Award. It continues to be a model for how meaningful leadership can drive both profits and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Georgia Southern University\u2019s Alumni Association celebrated the highest levels of achievement, service and impact among its graduates during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19, 2024. From professional excellence to community service and lifelong commitment to the University, the honorees exemplify what it means to be True Blue. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-12154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2025"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/em>Not Pictured:<\/em><\/strong> Meagan Clark, Stephen Gore<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStephen Gore (\u201995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Honorable Van R. Johnson II (\u201992)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
COMMUNITY HERO AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nehemiah Robertson (\u201924)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (\u201913) and Meagan Clark (\u201914)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n