News Summary
Savannah State University’s Certified Members Only (CMO) organization hosted its Founders Week, highlighting community service, cultural events, and professional development from September 1 to September 7. Founded on September 5, 2021, by Kevontae Kelly, CMO’s activities included a community cleanup, mentorship for local youth, and a professional dress event. The week culminated in spiritual gatherings and celebrations of CMO’s impact on the campus, including helping members secure significant internships. The event reaffirmed CMO’s commitment to leadership and service within the Savannah community.
Savannah – Savannah State University’s Certified Members Only (CMO) organization celebrated its annual Founders Week from September 1 to September 7, 2025, showcasing a blend of community service, cultural events, and professional development activities designed to enrich the campus experience and promote leadership among its members. Founded by graduate student Kevontae Kelly on September 5, 2021, CMO continues to thrive as a significant force on campus.
The week kicked off with a vibrant daytime party at Sunset Park on September 1, setting the stage for a series of impactful events throughout the week. One of the highlights included a community cleanup event in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., emphasizing the organization’s dedication to enhancing its local community.
On September 2, CMO members engaged with youth at the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, focusing on mentorship and fostering connections between students and the younger generation. This activity reinforced CMO’s goal of merging social impact with service, demonstrating their commitment to shaping future leaders.
September 3 saw the hosting of a “Dress for Success” event, designed to help students polish their professional appearance. Participants showcased their best outfits in a competition featured on CMO’s official Instagram page, promoting the importance of professional presence in the current job market.
A lively entertainment event named Bombshells and R&B College Night took place on September 4, infusing energy and excitement into the week while allowing members to engage in networking opportunities. Then, on September 5, CMO organized a beach day and a cleanup at Casa Tybee, highlighting their initiatives towards sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The camaraderie continued on September 6 at The Yard Runners, where members came together to celebrate the successes of the week. Finally, the week concluded on September 7 with a faith-based gathering at a local church, underscoring the importance of community and spirituality within the organization.
During the celebration, founder Kevontae Kelly reflected on how CMO has evolved from a dorm-room concept to a powerful movement impacting students’ lives on campus. This growth is reflected in the numerous successes of CMO members, including securing prestigious internships and job opportunities with major companies such as Disney and Netflix.
Kelly’s vision for CMO emphasizes a balance between social events and community service, ensuring that members develop essential skills in networking, mentorship, and leadership. He encourages students who are interested in joining CMO to be prepared for both teamwork and leadership roles, fostering a strong foundation for their personal and professional journeys.
Founders Week 2025 illustrated CMO’s significant contribution to the campus community, celebrating its legacy while reiterating its commitment to service, culture, mentorship, and faith-driven leadership. As a cultural cornerstone at Savannah State University, CMO promotes not just personal growth among its members but also a positive impact on the surrounding community.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
