This week, approximately 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in two Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies.
Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah on Dec. 14, and Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on Dec. 17.
“Graduates, congratulations on your special day, where we recognize the importance of this occasion in your life,” Marrero told the crowd. “Today, as we celebrate your success, I couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments.”
He then asked graduates to take a moment of appreciation to recognize those who have helped them along the way, and wave to family and friends in the audience who were there to celebrate their accomplishments.
“This graduation is a momentous occasion for Georgia Southern University, as well as for all of you,” he continued. “Today, you are part of history at Georgia Southern.”
During the Statesboro ceremony, Hemant and Barbara Goel received honorary doctorates in recognition of their ongoing commitment to supporting and mentoring first-generation students. The Goels established the Goel Scholars Program, a unique opportunity within the Honors College at Georgia Southern for students to receive a full-ride scholarship to support the student’s college education and at the same time receive career guidance to ensure success during and after college.
Commencement speakers included leading Georgia economic developer Jerald Mitchell (‘99) and renowned sports media figure Bria Janelle (‘11).
Mitchell, who addressed graduates in his hometown of Savannah, reflected on his family’s humble beginnings and recognized their sacrifices so that he could be where he is today. He pointed out the many opportunities that his career has afforded him as president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Leadership Georgia, among other roles, which has aligned him with senators, congressmen, Army generals, governors, U.N. delegates, CEOs and members of The White House. He was able to advance in his career after learning important lessons as a student on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus.
“What I learned is to make mistakes and keep pushing, to not be outworked and to remain persistent,” said Mitchell. “I don’t want to tell you what you can do with the Georgia Southern degree. I want to talk to you about some of the things that maybe you didn’t learn along the way. They’re not necessarily academic, but they are certainly practical and important.
“The first of which — and don’t be shocked when I say this — is you aren’t special yet,” he continued. “This day is special. This accomplishment is special. But you aren’t done yet. You have work to do. Special is what you will do from here going forward. You will have a number of opportunities put in front of you along the way. I challenge you to take advantage of every one of them that you can, as long as it makes sense for you. I’ve done a lot and I’ve taken advantage of most opportunities that have come my way.”
He also encouraged graduates to be honest with themselves, understand no one owes them anything and to look inward so they can make choices that align with their career and life direction.
“You have to be disciplined and you have to lead yourself before you can lead others,” he said. “The world, our country, the state of Georgia, and the community that you’re from needs you. You are the smartest and most resource-rich generation that our planet has ever known. Do something with that. Don’t be timid. Be extraordinary. Your community and others are depending on you. Remember those who invested in you — teachers, churches, police officers, coaches, professors, neighbors, the list goes on and on and on. Pay that forward and invest in someone else’s success.”
In Statesboro, Bria Janelle, whose versatility as a sports media talent and entrepreneur has allowed her to partner with some of the most prestigious organizations in the industry, including Notre Dame football, the Chicago Bulls, the NBA, WNBA, Premier Soccer League, and the Atlanta Dream in 2022, shared personal insights with graduates.
“I remember being in your same spot 13 years ago, feeling so many different emotions,” Bria Janelle said. “I was scared, I was afraid, I was excited. I also didn’t know what was to come. How many people can resonate with that feeling?”
After suffering a career-ending injury in basketball at another university, Bria Janelle was looking for a fresh start. She found it on Georgia Southern’s campus and switched gears to radio where she had the opportunity to bring up-and-coming rappers and other talent to Georgia Southern.
“Flash forward, I was sitting in your seat,” she said. “I was a graduate on my way to what I felt was greatness. As I began my journey in radio, I realized something was still missing. And it was sports. And I often tell young ladies, I didn’t see what I wanted to become, so I became her. So I left radio and I pursued sports.”
She considered what advice she would give her younger self as she stood before the new graduates.
“It would be to keep moving forward because fear is not the destination,” Bria Janelle said. “Fear is simply ‘false evidence appearing real.’
“When you get those no’s, remember you are an Eagle. Embrace the challenges, trust your resilience and step boldly into the future, because the world is waiting for the impact that only you can make. Congratulations graduates. Job well done.”
