Georgia Southern selects distinguished speakers for Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies
Approximately 4,500 students will graduate with associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees this semester during four ceremonies in Statesboro and Savannah. Candidates will have the option to choose the location where they would like to graduate.
The dates, colleges and speakers for each ceremony are:
Monday, May 11
9 a.m. — Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
Undergraduate ceremony for the College of Science and Mathematics, College of Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing
Bob Somers (’83) is the senior vice president of global sales at Delta Air Lines where he is responsible for the company’s relationship with its largest corporate, agency and specialty accounts. Joining Delta in 1983, Somers also served as managing director of corporate and specialty sales and general manager of global corporate sales, following earlier roles in airport customer service and marketing, advertising and sales promotions.
He is a member of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and in 2016 was honored as the GBTA Allied Member of the Year and Business Travel News’ 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives.
Former chairman of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Somers currently serves on the boards for Foundation for Hospital Art, Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Atlanta Sports Council.
Somers earned a bachelor’s in public relations from Georgia Southern University.
Monday, May 11
6 p.m. — The Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro
Graduate ceremony for students in all colleges on any campus
Nick Westbrook (’20), is the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Hinesville and has built one of the top-performing locations in Georgia, earning multiple national excellence awards.
A dedicated community leader who is passionate about leadership, mentorship and creating a hospitality culture, Westbrook has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships through the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship program.
Westbrook earned an MBA from the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University.
Wednesday, May 13
9 a.m. — Enmarket Arena in Savannah
Undergraduate ceremony for students in all colleges on any campus.
Berry Aldridge (’15) is director of recruiting for the Banana Ball Championship League’s six teams.
Prior to this role, he served in various capacities for The Savannah Bananas from 2016 to 2020, including director of tickets and vice president. In 2021, Aldridge shifted his focus to help create and launch the new sport of Banana Ball.
Additionally in 2021, Aldridge became a licensed real estate agent and has since helped buyers and sellers across the Coastal Empire.
Aldridge earned a bachelor’s in English literature from Armstrong State University.
Thursday, May 14
9 a.m. — Paulson Stadium in Statesboro
Undergraduate ceremony for students in the College of Education, Parker College of Business and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Double Eagle Kim Hartsock (’20, ’21) is a certified public accountant. Appointed as the inaugural chair of the Parker College of Business Young Alumni Board, she also serves on the board of directors for the Georgia Southern University Foundation and the Parker College of Business.
In addition, Hartsock is the board chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and a board member for Leadership Gwinnett.
Recognized as a two-time Titan 100 Georgia award winner, Hartsock was named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2022 as “Most Admired CEO” and included in the 2014 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” Class.
Hartsock earned a BBA in accounting and a master’s in accounting from Georgia Southern University.
Thursday, May 14
3 p.m. — Gymnasium on the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro
Ceremony for all East Georgia Campus students
“Butch” Parrish, a dedicated public servant and proud native of Swainsboro, will serve as the commencement speaker on the East Georgia Campus students.
A graduate of Swainsboro High School, Representative Parrish went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Georgia, where he also served as president of his senior class in pharmacy school. His commitment to leadership and service began early and has remained a constant throughout his career.
He has been deeply involved in his community, serving as past president of both the Swainsboro Exchange Club and the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving three terms on the Swainsboro City Council.
At the state level, Representative Parrish has made a lasting impact. He served two terms on the board of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, including one year as chairman. His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including being named Emanuel County’s Person of the Year in 2020 and receiving Legislator of the Year recognitions from several organizations, including the Georgia Rural Health Association, the Georgia Public Health Association, and the Georgia Hospital Association. He has also been recognized as a Family Medicine Legislative Champion by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.
Currently serving his 21st term in the Georgia House of Representatives, he represents House District 158, which includes Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins and Treutlen counties, as well as portions of Bulloch County. He plays a key leadership role as Chairman of the Rules Committee and the Special Committee on Healthcare, and serves on several additional committees focused on appropriations, health, economic development, and community well-being.