2023 Georgia Southern Alumni Association Awards honor alumni achievements and community engagement

SAVANNAH, Ga., April 17, 2023 — 91ÁÔÆæâ€™s Alumni Association recognized the highest levels of achievement and service among the University’s alumni during the 2023 Alumni Awards ceremony, held at the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau on April 14.
“As we gather here tonight, I am honored to recognize our outstanding alumni for their remarkable service, exceptional business acumen and overall excellence,� stated Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero at the event. “With a growing network of more than 146,000 Georgia Southern and Armstrong alumni, each success story further strengthens our University’s reputation as a center for excellence.�
This year’s full list of winners include:
Georj Lewis, Ed.D. (’07) — Talon Award
Ronny Just (’84) — Marvin Pittman Award
Cecilia Arango (’02) — George & Lucy Armstrong Award
Commissioner Russell McMurry (’92) and Michelle McMurry (’91) — The Sweetheart Award
Lisa N. Herring, Ed.D. (’07) — Professional Achievement Award
Matt Wise (‘08) — Alumni Service Award
Retired Maj. Gen. Randall V. Simmons, Jr. (’95) — Community Hero Award
John Havenar (’22) — Outstanding Senior Award
In addition, the Alumni Owned Business Awards were given to the following top alumni-owned businesses:
Coastal Oral & Maxillofacial — Mark Clayton, DDS (’17)
Latin Chicks Restaurant and Mint to Be Mojito Bar — Mary Githens (’08)
Statesboro Real Estate — Paul Newman (’05)
“These exemplary alumni, who lead with distinction and honor in their respective industries, remind us of the transformational power of education and its importance for our students,â€� said Georgia Southern’s Director of Alumni Relations Ava Edwards. “We are grateful for their impact around the world and at 91ÁÔÆæ.â€�
To view the award criteria, visit .
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