Georgia Southern University Graduates Three Local Students

STATESBORO, GA -- Two students from Peachtree Corners and one from Berkeley Lake were among the 2,200 who graduated Georgia Southern University in May.

Among the graduating class to receive their degrees were:

Meredith Kay from Peachtree Corners

John Hart from Peachtree Corners

Elizabeth Cipolla from Berkeley Lake

Georgia Southern alumnus and Chick-fil-A president and chief operating officer Dan Cathy served as the commencement speaker. Cathy told the graduates, "Today you are going to receive a diploma that you can be very proud of, as I am, being a graduate myself."

Cathy, who graduated from Georgia Southern in 1975, challenged students to keep up with progress, but to stay true to their values and beliefs. "I would encourage you to always be students," said Cathy. "Let's stay relevant, let's stay meaningful for the generation we are to serve today...As responsible leaders know, they have to stay the course on the things that never change."

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 115 degree programs serving nearly 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.

In 2011, the University was named the fourth most popular university in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is a top choice of Georgia's HOPE scholars. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.