Georgia Southern announces speakers for 2021 commencement ceremonies

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia Southern University has announced the speakers who will address the Class of 2021 during its spring commencement ceremonies.

Dr. Annette Rainge ’83, the 152nd president of the Georgia Dental Association will speak at the undergraduate and graduate ceremony on Saturday, May 8 in Savannah to graduates of the College of Arts and Humanities, Parker College of Business, College of Education, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.
Rahman Anjorin ’09, the Player Manager in the Player Affairs Department with the National Football League (NFL) Players Association will speak at the undergraduate and graduate ceremony on Saturday, May 8 in Savannah to graduates of the Waters College of Health Professions and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
Ben Freakley ‘00,’03,’12, head of mental performance for the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team will speak at the undergraduate ceremony on Monday, May 10 in Statesboro to graduates of the College of Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
Lt. Col. Michael J. Gutierrez ’04, Commander of the 330th Combat Training Squadron at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia will speak at the undergraduate ceremony on Tuesday, May 11 in Statesboro to graduates of the Parker College of Business, College of Education and College of Science and Mathematics.
Jason C. Louder ’99, a stage and film actor, teacher, coach and mentor will speak at the undergraduate ceremony on Wednesday, May 12 in Statesboro to graduates of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.
Patrice Buckner Jackson, Ed.D. ’16, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Augusta University will speak at the graduate ceremony on Thursday, May 13 in Statesboro.

On Monday, the university announced updated plans for commencement ceremonies beginning later this week after recent COVID-19 guideline changes from the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health and an updated executive order from the Office of the Governor.

For both ceremonies on Saturday at the Convention Center in Savannah, each graduate’s ticket allotment will be expanded from 4 to 6 guest tickets. Graduating students should receive guest tickets via email on Tuesday, May 4. Because these ceremonies are indoors, social distancing for guests will still be in place, and face coverings will be required for all guests and graduates.
For the outdoor ceremonies at Paulson Stadium Monday through Thursday in Statesboro, no tickets will be required and there will be no limit on attendance. Face coverings for guests are still encouraged, but not required. Graduating students must wear face coverings while in the official procession and while crossing the stage.
Guests are still encouraged to stay home if they do not feel well.

For more information on the ceremonies, please click here.