AMERICUS — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) holds its Fall 2015 Commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 in Convocation Hall in the GSW Student Success Center. The commencement speaker is Sen. Dean Burke, M.D. (Bainbridge, Ga. – District 11).
“We are delighted that Sen. Burke will be returning to his alma mater to speak during Fall Commencement,” said GSW Interim President Charles Patterson, Ph.D. “He represents Georgia Southwestern well as a leader in Atlanta and in Southwest Georgia as an experienced physician, and our graduates will benefit greatly from his experience and message.”
Burke is practicing physician of 27 years in the area of obstetrics. He serves as the chief medical officer for the Bainbridge Memorial Hospital and Manor. Burke graduated summa cum laude from Georgia Southwestern and went on to graduate from the Medical College of Georgia. He received his specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology at Mercer University School of Medicine. Sen.Burke and his wife, Thea, have been married for 33 years and have two children.
Susan Robinson, associate professor of accounting and 2015 recipient of the GSW Teacher of the Year Award, will serve as the Macebearer. Gary Kline, Ph.D., professor political science, will be the Grand Marshal.
An estimated 277 students are expected to graduate. Limited seating will be available, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.
A hooding ceremony for graduate students will take place at 9 a.m. in Jackson Performance Hall