For Immediate Release
December 16, 2024

Media Contact: Jennifer Abshire
Abshire Public Relations
912.247.9588
pr@abshirepr.com

Savannah State Holds 205th Commencement Ceremony

Savannah, GA – Savannah State University (SSU) is proud to announce that it held its 205th commencement ceremony with more than 200 students in attendance at the T. A. Wright Stadium on the SSU campus.

Guest speaker Michael Williams, Class of 1980, founder and CEO of Jetaire Flight Systems, LLC, a global leader in aerospace safety initiatives, shared his insights on resilience in the midst of change and becoming a world citizen with the fall class of 2024 before they received their master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees.

“It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but it is the one that is most responsive and resilient to change,” Williams said. “The leaders in the 21st Century will be those who can learn, unlearn and relearn critical skills.”

Williams encouraged the graduating students to focus on their career goals and work their plan. He shared his experience about his first job as an engineer at Eastern Airlines, where he knew he would have to work twice as hard to get half the credit. He took it upon himself to work extra hours and was promoted to senior engineer in just three years.

During the ceremony, SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander, J.D. presented awards to two of the university’s top students. Luke Sanders of Gainesville, Ga., a student athlete and civil engineering technology major, was recognized as the top academic student of the graduating class. Sanders, who started at SSU in 2021, graduated with a 4.0.

Alexander also presented the prestigious President’s Second Mile Award to Richard A. Robins III, a behavior analysis major from Miami, Fla. The Second Mile Award is presented to a deserving student in recognition of stellar and meritorious achievement. It is the highest award presented to a graduating senior based upon character, values, leadership, and service to the university and the larger community.

Robins is the first in his family to graduate from college. He worked several jobs to pay for tuition while contributing more than 300 hours of community service to the institution and the community. On campus, he served as president of the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Mister Junior, and as the founding president of the Elite Army Dance Troupe.

“It is a feat that reveals the strength of his integrity and character,” Alexander said, addressing the graduates. “His ongoing commitment to his colleagues has inspired many of you here today to reach higher goals.”

The commencement ceremony was the first on the newly resurfaced turf at T.A. Wright Stadium. Following President Alexander’s opening remarks, Keleigh G. Arrington, a graduating senior, delivered the Reflection speech.

“Our education is more than a degree,” Arrington said. “It is a tool to serve others, a platform to make a difference and a foundation built for the lives with a purpose.”

Teri L. Bright, a student obtaining a master’s in public administration, spoke on behalf of the graduate students. She thanked her family and the faculty for helping her push beyond her limitations and find strength in adversity.

“As SSU Tigers, we face many academic and personal obstacles,” Bright said. “But here we are ready to claw down the next step in our lives. Let us remain curious, resilient and especially remain steadfast that we will always carry the Tiger Spirit everywhere we go.”

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About SSU:

Established in 1890, Savannah State University is the first public historically black college and university in Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. Students select majors from 30 undergraduate and five graduate programs in four colleges – Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology. Learn more by visiting savannahstate.edu.