SAVANNAH, Ga. — In a series of commencement ceremonies, Georgia Southern University celebrated the achievements of over 2,200 students across its Statesboro, Armstrong, and Liberty campuses. These students were awarded a range of degrees, from associate to doctoral, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.

University President Kyle Marrero extended a warm welcome to the graduates and their families at the ceremonies. These took place on December 13 at Savannah’s Enmarket Arena, on December 16 at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, and concluded on December 17 at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro.

“Congratulations, graduates,” Marrero addressed the audience. “Today, we celebrate your dedication, hard work, and personal growth. You have faced and overcome numerous challenges to be here, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength. Take pride in your accomplishments, and know that we are proud to share this moment with you.”

The ceremonies featured inspiring addresses from prominent alumni, including Tim Wilkerson, an executive at The Home Depot, Emmy-winning sports anchor Carla Metts, and Jaime Weeks of The Wendy’s Company. Each speaker shared personal anecdotes about how their time at Georgia Southern helped shape their professional journeys.

Speaking to graduates in Savannah, Wilkerson emphasized the importance of persistence, leadership, and the enduring benefits of a Georgia Southern education. As a first-generation college graduate, he recounted his experience interviewing with multiple companies, facing 12 rejections before landing his first managerial role. His story underscored the power of perseverance and the value of a strong educational foundation.

“No one in my family had ever done this before,” Wilkerson said. “So who would I turn to for advice? The legendary Erk Russell. He taught me how to lead. My professors provided me with knowledge and taught me how to solve complex business problems.” 

Now an executive at a Fortune 25 company, Wilkerson emphasized the durability of a Georgia Southern degree.

“Your degree is like a Ford truck,” he said. “It is built to last, and you are built for this next moment in your life. So go get it. Seize the moment. And please, can you do me a favor? When you get in your vehicle, look in the rearview mirror, smile and say, ‘Thank you, Georgia Southern.’”

In Statesboro, Metts, who was captain of the co-ed cheerleading squad, reflected on embracing unexpected paths and the power of relationships formed at Georgia Southern.

“Don’t some of the best things happen when you least expect it and in the places that you’re not looking?” Metts asked. “Georgia Southern was that place for me — my teammates, my coaches, my professors who became friends.”

She encouraged graduates to start where they are, remain persistent and focus on people as they build their careers.

“Purpose starts with people,” Metts continued. “So many people poured into us here. Now it’s our responsibility to go into the world and do the same.”

Weeks, a Double Eagle, addressed graduates during the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center ceremony, sharing lessons from her nontraditional academic and professional journey.

“Say yes even if you don’t feel like you are ready,” Weeks said. “There were so many times in my career when I was given additional responsibility or opportunities I didn’t necessarily feel prepared for. But nobody is ever ready. Your future — your next great opportunity — may be waiting on the other side of that one.”

She encouraged graduates to trust their resilience and remain open to lifelong learning.

“There is so much beauty in the road less traveled, and Georgia Southern helped me find confidence in that journey,” Weeks said.