Willou Smith to Speak at 2001 Commencement May 4
by Andy Moseley - reprinted with permission from the April 2001 Mariners' Log
The graduating class of 2001 will begin their commencement ceremonies at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, in the Howard Coffin Gymnasium on campus. Willou Copeland Smith, Executive Director of United Way of Brunswick and Glynn County, will address the class.
Following graduation at Glynn Academy here in Brunswick, Mrs. Smith attended Florida State University as a music therapy major. Mrs. Smith's resume is very impressive, as she has served in many organizations. She is a former member of the State Board of Education and is a former member of the Glynn County Partners in Education advisory board. Mrs. Smith was elected to the Georgia General Assembly in November 1986 and served for 10 years. In addition, she was elected a Glynn County Commissioner in 1980 and served as a chairman of the Commission in 1984. She has also served on advisory boards for the Women's Bridges of Hope and Safe Harbor Children's Shelter and is a former chairman on the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center.
Mrs. Smith served as president of the Coastal Area District Development Authority and, following selection as a participant in Leadership Georgia in 1982, was elected a trustee from 1983 to 1986. Mrs. Smith was on the executive board of the Clean Community Commission and received the 1981 Woman of the Year--Georgia Clean and Beautiful Award.
She was also recognized as one of the "Women of South Coastal Georgia" by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society in 1990 and was a 2000 participant in the Tribute to Women. She is a former member of "Georgia 2000," a committee formed by the University of Georgia to study our state's resources, needs, and economy with the objective of establishing a comprehensive plan for the year 2000. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Smith with us for commencement.
On graduation night, Grand Marshall Dr. Eugene Keferl, Coastal Georgia Community College's highest ranking faculty member, will lead the processional of graduates, faculty, and honored guests. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Golden Isles Community Band. Anne-Marie Peeples will deliver the charge to the class.
Degrees and certificates will be conferred by the college's president, Dr. Dorothy L. Lord, who will be assisted by Registrar and Director of Admissions Dr. Mollie DeHart and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Douglas Tuech. A reception honoring the graduates will be held in the Student Center immediately following the ceremonies. All graduates and their guests are invited.
All candidates who plan to participate in the graduation exercises must attend a rehearsal on Thursday, May 3, at 10 a.m. in the gym. At this time, it will be explained that graduates will not be receiving their actual diplomas on stage at graduation. Instead, diplomas can be picked up at the reception following the program. Students not attending the graduation ceremonies will be able to obtain their diplomas at the Registrar's office the following week.
Congratulations, graduates!
