Commencement Ceremony at Gordon State College Commemorates Fall 2024 Graduates

By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
On Friday, Dec. 13, Gordon State College held its Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony honoring 220 graduates from The School of Business and Professional Studies (BPS); The School of Nursing, Health, and STEM (NHS); and The School of Education, Arts, and Humanities (EAH).
“Graduates, you’ve achieved something extraordinary,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, GSC president. “Earning a college degree is a milestone that not only transforms your career and earning potential but also enriches lives for generations. This accomplishment reflects your hard work, endurance, and commitment to a brighter future moving forward. Congratulations on this life-changing achievement!”
In total, 225 baccalaureate and associate degrees were awarded to deserving graduates from across the region.
President Green recognized several graduates who overcame significant challenges to achieve this milestone. Though they began their educational journeys from different starting points, these students “persevered with passionate goals and through adversities to emerge as degree recipients ready for the next opportunities in their lives.”
Among those recognized was Larry Stoermer from Pike County, who embarked on a new chapter of his life at 62 after a career in the military, auto mechanics, and property management. Following a battle with cancer, Stoermer rediscovered his passion for acting and enrolled in GSC’s drama program with the encouragement of his wife, a Gordon graduate and teacher. His dedication paid off with top honors for his GPA and an Associate of Arts degree in theatre.
At the other end of the spectrum is Aastha Jaiswal from Spalding County, who started early on her path to a medical career. Jaiswal has conducted and published research on bee biodiversity and gained hands-on experience at University of Georgia’s Griffin campus entomology lab, all while maintaining top honors. She also excelled as a presidential fellow, vice president of GSC’s science club Earth, Wind and Fire, and a participant in the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Jaiswal is now applying to medical school to continue her academic journey.
President Green also shared stories of Sam Whiters from Lamar County, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in history; Nikki Moss from Butts County, who earned an Associate of Science in nursing; Richard Griffiths from DeKalb County, who earned an Associate of Science in nursing; Elizabeth Hill from Pike County, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English; and Mitchell Smith from Monroe County, who earned a Bachelor of Science in management and administration. Each graduate's journey to this milestone is a testament to their determination, guided by the support of faculty, advisors, family, and friends.
The School of BPS awarded 53 baccalaureate degrees and 34 associate degrees, totaling 87 graduates. The School of EAH awarded 12 baccalaureate degrees and 36 associate degrees to 48 graduates, while the School of NHS awarded 16 baccalaureate degrees and 74 associate degrees to 90 graduates.
Five graduates were presented with multiple degrees.
“This morning represents the start of a lifelong dream. As a wife, a mother, a sister, and a student, balancing life’s responsibilities often felt overwhelming. But through every challenge, I held on to the belief that this day would come, and here we are,” said Genesis Kilgore-Crouch, GSC fall class of 2024 representative, during her invocation speech. “This degree is not just for me; it’s for my children, who have seen me persist, and for every graduate here today who knows what it means to fight for your dreams, no matter the odds.”
Following Commencement, fall 2024 NHS graduates were honored in a separate Pinning Ceremony marking their official entrance into the nursing profession. Historians trace the tradition of the nursing pin back to the Crusades of the 12th century, and in the 1860s, Florence Nightingale adopted the practice of presenting a medal of excellence to her hardest working nursing graduates. By 1916, it became standard in the United States to award each nursing graduate with a pin during a special ceremony.