Georgia Southern University Graduates Receive Degrees During Annual Commencement Ceremonies
Georgia Southern University held its 86th annual Spring Commencement where University President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D. conferred degrees to more than 2,500 undergraduate students at Paulson Stadium on Saturday, May 10. In addition, the Graduate Ceremony was held Friday, May 9 at Hanner Fieldhouse where 612 students received their degrees.
“This is an exciting day in the Eagle Nation as we recognize the hard work and academic achievements of our newest graduates,” said Keel. “As the 12th President of the greatest University in America, I am proud to extend my congratulations to these hardworking men and women as they embark upon a new journey in their lives.”
During the ceremonies, thirty-two doctorate degrees were conferred, along with five Master of Fine Arts degrees and hundreds of other graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University’s eight colleges.
Commencement speakers included Georgia Southern alumna and Georgia Teacher of the Year Jemelleh Coes (’08) for the Graduate Ceremony and the Honorable Nathan Deal, governor of Georgia, for the Undergraduate Ceremony.
Coes shared an inspirational speech about her experiences, encouraging graduates to persevere through trials.
"Graduates, when the world tells you that you can’t, look back and say 'watch me.' I charge you today to share the road because your purpose and perseverance is a shining model for those to come after you."
Gov. Nathan Deal challenged students to step outside of their comfort zones, emphasizing the importance of education.
“If you cling to your comfort zone in the present and refuse to use the knowledge you've acquired through your education, you will soon find out that the world will not feel sorry for you. It is your character that becomes your ultimate comfort zone, unaltered by success or failure, magnified by humility and sustained by love.”
Photos from both ceremonies are available by viewing the Graduation Weekend 2014 Facebook album on the University’s official Facebook page.
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