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The fall class of 2024 celebrated earning their diplomas where they started their journey: on the Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) campus. The students made their last walk across campus to the ceremony’s location in the college’s new Convocation Center.

Over 430 students representing the U.S. and 28 other countries turned their tassels during two ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 14.

“What an incredible day this is. We are overjoyed to celebrate this extraordinary group of students completing their undergraduate journey right here, where it all began – on this very campus.

Every one of you in this room is now part of a truly historic moment at GGC,” said Dr. Jann L. Joseph, GGC president.

During the morning ceremony, student speaker Shari Jackson shared her journey as a college student graduating at the age of 61. The mother of two and long-time caregiver decided to earn her bachelor’s degree in human services at the encouragement of her mother and aunt. Both passed within months of each other, but Jackson persevered to reach this milestone.

The afternoon ceremony’s student speaker, Mikiah Miller, who graduated with her bachelor’s degree in information technology, talked about how her original plans of joining the United States Navy unexpectedly changed, and how enrolling at GGC opened a new path in IT. She embraced everything college life offered: living independently, working on campus and gaining additional experience through two internships.

Keynote speaker Nicole Love Hendrickson, chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, told graduates to be open to the unexpected paths life can offer. Like many GGC students, she is also a first-generation college graduate.

“Go out into the world and make people feel seen, heard and valued. Lead with purpose, serve with heart and never underestimate the power of your voice and actions,” she said.

View and download 2024 Fall Commencement photos.