Student carries on lasting legacy

March 13, 2017

[caption id="attachment_6730" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Karen (‘93), Thor, Ted and Lee Robertson are proud to attend the annual Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year as a family.[/caption] Thor Robertson is carrying on the legacy of his family as he becomes part of the third generation of Robertson committee members in the annual Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade. The junior accounting major has waited his entire life to step into the role and become part of the family tradition. “I’ve been walking in the parade since I was a kid,” said Thor. “One of my favorite memories is when I was 5-years-old and I finally got to walk the full parade instead of being pulled in the wagon.” Thor hopes to use his degree as part of the financial committee, offering his services for the parade’s annual report, fundraising and budget, and eventually go on to be a chairman like his father was. Thor comes from a long line of Robertson men involved in the annual parade. His grandfather, Michael S. Robertson Sr., was the general chairman in 1957 and was the youngest man elected to the position at the age of 29. Thor’s uncle, Edgar Robertson, was elected general chairman in 1974 but passed away during his term. Ted Robertson, Thor’s father, was elected general chairman in 2001 and 2002, a title which he is honored to have held. Ted is proud that his son is carrying on the tradition. “True to our Irish Catholic roots, our families are large — very large,” said Ted. “My dad was one of eight sons. My mom and dad had six children. For a while, the Robertson Clan had a huge presence in the parade committee and is still is active and walking the parade today! The Robertson Clan has gathered together every St. Patrick's Day for over 32 years. It's quite a family reunion!” Thor plans to graduate in spring of 2018 and add to the long line of Georgia Southern alumni in his family. His mother earned her MBA at the University, his aunt and two of his uncles are alumni as well. Catch Georgia Southern in the 193rd annual parade on Friday, March 17. The float will feature President Jaimie Hebert, Ph.D., faculty and alumni playing live music, members of the Southern Pride Marching Band, Georgia Southern cheerleaders, Miss Georgia Southern Tori Murry, and the University’s bald eagle mascot, Freedom. Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.