Regent Larry Walker to Address GSC Spring 2016 Graduating Class

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University System of Georgia Regent Larry Walker will deliver the commencement address to the Gordon State College Spring 2016 graduating class Friday, May 6, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. on Lambdin Green.

After the faculty and students are led onto Lambdin Green by piper Michael Grest, diplomas will be presented to the 243 participating graduates by Gordon State College President Max Burns.

In all, 362 degrees will be awarded to 358 graduates. Four graduates are earning two degrees each, 38 will graduate Cum Laude (with honor); 12 will graduate Magna Cum Laude (with great honor) while 12 will graduate Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor).

Raven Willis will be awarded a bachelor of science degree in human services.

"My path to earning this degree was challenging but yet so fulfilling," Willis said. "I achieved my goal of earning a degree in a field that I love, but I also grew as a person during my time here. Gordon State College, the faculty and staff will always be very special to me."

After they receive their degree the graduates will be welcomed to the Gordon State College Alumni Association by Autumn Schaffer, a graduate of the education program.

Immediately after the graduation ceremony a pinning ceremony will be held in the Student Activity and Recreation Center for graduates of the nursing program.

A Bell and Book ceremony will also be held in Fine Arts for graduates of the education program. During the Bell and Book the first Jerry Stinchcomb Founders Award for Academic Excellence will be presented. Stinchcomb was instrumental in developing the education program, Gordon's first four-year degree.

Highlander Hall in the Student Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for those who wish to have lunch on campus. The cost is $7.22 per person.

The GSC Bookstore will be open from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

About the commencement speaker:

An attorney with Walker, Hulbert, Gray & Moore, Larry Walker served in the Georgia General Assembly for more than 30 years, where he served as Administrative Floor Leader for Gov. Joe Frank Harris and Majority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives from 1986-2002. Most recently, Walker served on the Georgia Department of Transportation Board, representing the Eighth Congressional District. Walker was reappointed to the Board of Regents in 2016 by Gov. Nathan Deal. Walker earned an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Georgia.