News Summary
Savannah colleges, including Savannah State University and Georgia Southern University, are set to hold commencement ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of their graduates. SSU will feature keynote speeches from notable figures, while GSU plans a week-long event for approximately 4,300 graduates, including several high-profile speakers. Other institutions like South University and SCAD also have upcoming ceremonies, highlighting a significant time of accomplishment in the community.
Savannah, GA – Several local colleges are gearing up for their upcoming commencement ceremonies, featuring notable speakers and a large number of graduates across different disciplines. Savannah State University (SSU) and Georgia Southern University (GSU) are among the institutions celebrating significant milestones in education.
Savannah State University’s Commencement
On May 9, 2025, Savannah State University will hold its Spring Commencement Ceremony at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, starting at 9 a.m. This year, more than 360 graduates will cross the stage to receive their diplomas. This ceremony will mark the first for SSU President Jermain Whirl, who took office earlier this year.
In a notable move, former Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander will deliver the keynote address during the ceremony. Alexander’s leadership from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025, was instrumental in stabilizing the university’s enrollment and finances, paving the way for a stronger foundation as Whirl begins his tenure.
The day will also feature two commissioning ceremonies for the Army and Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). The Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the King Frazier Student Center Ballroom, while the Navy ROTC will hold its ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Torian Auditorium on campus.
Georgia Southern University’s Celebrations
Georgia Southern University is preparing for a larger scale of celebrations, scheduling five commencement ceremonies across Statesboro and Savannah for approximately 4,300 graduates from May 13 to May 17. The degrees awarded will range from associate to doctoral levels, reflecting the diverse educational paths undertaken by the students.
Several notable speakers will address graduates during this week-long event. Health care software professional Hemant Goel is set to speak on May 13, followed by Atlanta Falcons placekicker and GSU alumnus Younghoe Koo on May 14. Retired Brig. Gen. Vincent E. Buggs will give a speech on May 15, while alumna Cecilia Tran Arango will address graduates on May 17. The week will conclude with Don L. Waters, the namesake of the Waters College of Health Professions, speaking at a ceremony on May 17 at 3 p.m.
Other Area Colleges’ Ceremonies
Other regional institutions are also planning their commencement celebrations. South University will confer doctoral degrees on June 13, with a ceremony at the Savannah Convention Center at 10 a.m., followed by a general commencement at 2 p.m. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) will hold its ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. on May 30, also at the Savannah Convention Center.
Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia recently graduated 47 students who completed their clinical training within Savannah and coastal Georgia, contributing to the healthcare workforce in the region. Additionally, Ralston College is set to celebrate its third graduating class on May 17, featuring a traditional academic procession through downtown Savannah.
Lastly, Savannah Technical College has scheduled its Commencement for June 4 at 6 p.m. at the Enmarket Arena. The event will feature speaker Vinh Pham, who will share his inspiring journey from Vietnam to achieving success in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
The upcoming graduation ceremonies across local colleges signify a time of achievement and celebration for students, families, and the community. As graduates prepare to embark on their next chapters, the support from educators and community figures continues to play a crucial role in their journey toward success.
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Additional Resources
- Grice Connect: Georgia Southern Spring Commencement
- Wikipedia: Commencement
- Savannah Now: Local Colleges Commencement Updates
- Google Search: Commencement Ceremonies 2025
- Tiger’s Roar: Graduation News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WSAV: Savannah Technical College Graduation
- Google News: Graduation Ceremony Savannah
- Savannah Tribune: Savannah State Commencement
