The Georgia Southern University Alumni Association’s 2021 class “40 Under 40” was recognized in a ceremony Friday, September 24 at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
The annual honor recognizes young alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, education, or philanthropic endeavors.
Retired Army Lieutenant General and former student Leslie Smith (’85) first greeted the group.
“We are so grateful to be gathered here to celebrate Georgia Southern University and to recognize the exemplary alumni it has produced,†said Smith. “Their success, excellence, character and values ​​represent the best of ourselves, and they remind us of our University’s mission – to think, lead, teach and serve – by giving our students the tools and opportunities that will change. the trajectory of their life.
“Thank you for these professionals, these entrepreneurs, these philanthropists and agents of change. Thank you for their investment in their communities and in this university.
The “40 Under 40†recipients were chosen by a selection committee that considered each individual’s professional expertise, accomplishments, dedication to charitable and community initiatives, and their commitment to Georgia Southern.
“Each year we recognize the best and the brightest among us, and each year we are continually in awe of the excellence of each class,†said Alumni Association president Alton Standifer (’12 ’14). “This year is no exception. Among our winners tonight, we have medical professionals, engineers and scientists, pastors, politicians and everything in between. Their careers have taken them to New York, Washington. , DC, Calif., Throughout Georgia and Statesboro. Georgia Southern alumni hold some of the most senior positions in state government, in industry and business, in education and health, etc. We are known for getting things done. For rolling up our sleeves and getting down to business. Making a difference. Thank you all for all you do and for representing our alma mater with distinction. “
The event culminated at the District Live Music Hall on the performance stage of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music, where guests were surrounded by guitars and memorabilia from the world-renowned Gretsch collection that tells the story of the company and its founders.
For the full list of the 2021 ’40 under 40′ class winners and to learn more about the program, go here. The band will also be featured in the fall 2021 edition of South georgia magazine.
Georgia Southern University, a public doctoral / R2 Carnegie institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving nearly 27,000 students at 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online education. A leader in higher education in Southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student body with expert faculty, world-class scholarships, and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as academics, leaders and responsible stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
