Savannah State University (SSU) is pleased to announce that Attorney Damon Elmore, ’93, has been selected as the keynote speaker for SSU’s 134th Founders Day Observance. This event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the New Student Union Ballrooms.

Attorney Elmore serves as the Executive Director of the State Bar of Georgia, where he manages and oversees the operations of the Bar, representing a distinguished membership of more than 55,000 individuals. Appointed by the Board of Governors in October 2020, he is charged with implementing the strategic direction and policies of the organization.

Elmore’s noteworthy legal journey commenced with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Law, and he subsequently contributed to Gorby, Reeves, Peters & Burns, P.C. Throughout his career, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Partner at Nowell Sparks, LLC, and Vice President of Human Resources at Genuine Parts Company. His extensive experience also includes his role as Senior Executive Director of People Strategy and General Counsel for Muncie Power Products. He holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Emory University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from SSU.

“As a proud graduate of Savannah State, it is an honor and meaningful moment to return home as the speaker for this year’s Founder's Day,” Elmore said. “This university has always been more than an institution to my family and me. It is a community grounded in excellence, service, and resilience. I am excited to come full circle and renew my commitment to the university that has played such a significant role in shaping who I am today.”

Founders Day celebrates the university’s rich heritage, legacy, traditions, and unwavering commitment to education and academic excellence that have distinguished the institution since its founding as Georgia’s first public historically black college and university.

“We’re honored to continue to preserve the high ideals that established this institution and will continue to inspire future generations of SSU Tigers,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander. “Mr. Elmore’s notable career, commitment to community and dedication to his alma mater exemplify the kind of graduate that would have made the founders proud.” 

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence and the Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award. The Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence acknowledges corporate and community leaders, as well as alumni, who have made significant contributions in social, educational, and civic realms.

The Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni who exemplify the high ideals cherished by the University and demonstrate exceptional support and loyalty to SSU. This award also celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions made by these distinguished alumni on national, regional, and local stages.

SSU, originally founded as the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youths, was established through an act of the Georgia General Assembly on Nov. 26, 1890. SSU transitioned to its current location on Oct. 7, 1891, following an initial session in Athens, GA. From modest beginnings, SSU has grown to become Savannah's premier institution of higher learning.