Rep. Calvin Smyre Featured As Gordon State College Legacy Lecture Series Speaker
Gordon State College hosted its Legacy Lecture Series on Sunday evening as Rep. Calvin Smyre from the 135th District of Georgia’s House of Representatives spoke to Highlander students via Zoom and in the Student Activity and Recreation Center Arena.
“The Legacy Lecture series was started to ensure students felt empowered to continue their journey and create a legacy that propels those coming after them” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President of Gordon State College. “Having Rep. Calvin Smyre share his story was a moment that Gordon State College will remember for years to come.”
Rep. Smyre shared many thoughts and ideas with the Highlander student body as well as numerous virtual guests that included GSC faculty and staff; Gordon State College Foundation Board of Trustees’ members Dan White, Chase Idol, and Jim Edwards; and constituents such as Barnesville mayor Peter Banks and Stockbridge mayor Anthony Ford. Over 180 people attended the hybrid virtual event.
“I want to be remembered as a person who gave of his time and energy in trying to make a better life for the people he represented,” said Rep. Smyre (D), who has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 1975. “Today, I represented the young people in the audience and the viewers listening. I represented a legacy that was created to provide an opportunity for all those who want to see change.
“Today was important for me to share with students that when opportunity knocks, be ready to open the door. I have seen many things during my lifetime. If I have the opportunity to leave something behind, it is the opportunity to share my legacy.”
GSC was also honored to have Rep. Debra Bazemore (D) from District 63 (Riverdale), Rep. Regina Lewis-Ward (D) from District 109 (McDonough) and Rep. Kim Schofield (D) from District 60 (Atlanta) attend virtually.
“On behalf of the student body at Gordon Sate College, we were very excited that Calvin Smyre was the keynote speaker this year for the Annual Legacy Lecture,” said Rueben Raymond, GSC Student Government Association president. “It was such a pleasure to introduce such a living legend.”
