Georgia Southern University’s Alumni Association recognized the highest levels of achievement and service among the University’s alumni during the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at The Foxhall in Statesboro on April 19. 

“Today, we recognize alumni who exemplify the values and very best of our University,” stated Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “We are proud that our network is now more than 147,000 strong and growing, and with each success, our reputation as a University is strengthened. Georgia Southern is an exceptional place to be right now. The excitement for the future and the belief that you all have in our University is what motivates us to work harder.”

This year’s full list of winners includes:

Sara Plaspohl, Dr., P.H. (’78, ’89, ’92, ’10)  — Talon Award
John Cornelius (’01)  — Marvin Pittman Award   
Jermaine Whirl, Ed.D. (’10) — George & Lucy Armstrong Award 
Rick Bean (’81) and Julie Bean (’84) — Sweetheart Award
Kevin A. Scott (’00, ’02) — Professional Achievement Award
Stephen Gore (’95) — Alumni Service Award
The Honorable Van R. Johnson, II (’92) — Community Hero Award
Nehemiah Robertson (’24) — Outstanding Senior Award
Rolling Monkey, Garrett Clark (’13) — Alumni Excellence in Business Award

“We have the distinct honor of recognizing some of our most outstanding alumni, individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also continued to uphold the values and traditions that define our University,” said Trip Addison, vice president for University Advancement. “Let today be a moment of reflection, celebration and inspiration as we come together to acknowledge the incredible accomplishments within our alumni community.” 

To read more about the honored alumni, visit Georgia Southern University Alumni Awards.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.