More than 500 students graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) on December 12, 2025, during ceremonies held at the Convocation Center. The graduating class included individuals from the United States and 32 other countries. Nearly 30 percent of graduates received academic honors, and more than one in four were first-generation college graduates.
Dr. Jann L. Joseph, president of GGC, addressed the importance of “grit, growth and greatness” in completing a college degree—a theme that was central to both commencement ceremonies.
Rebecca Morillon spoke at the morning ceremony about her path to graduation. After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps and working with veterans to help them access benefits, she decided to enroll at GGC following the birth of her son.
“Becoming a parent gives you a different mindset, a more determined one,” Morillon said. “Failing is not the end, but merely the beginning of a beautiful, new journey you never even thought of. As you enter this new journey in life, I say to you: do not be afraid of failure.”
Morillon is expecting her second child soon.
At the afternoon ceremony, Sára Ivánfai shared her experience as an international student from Hungary participating in the Georgia Rotary Student Program. She discussed adjusting to life in a new country and overcoming homesickness while pursuing her education at GGC.
“Through every struggle, I learned that growth isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about becoming more of who you are,” Ivánfai said. “Beyond the chaos, the homesickness and the challenges, I found courage, purpose, and a voice that I will carry with me far beyond this stage today. I came here to gain an education that I could use to transform lives. And today, I am realizing a piece of that dream.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Deep Shah, vice chair-elect of the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents. He told graduates they leave with more than just their academic degrees.
“Employers want you to use what you’ve learned here in order to solve problems,” Shah said.
He described three additional “degrees”: FIO—figure it out; FIO—fight it out; and FIOH—forgiveness in our hearts.
“This degree takes the concept of resourcefulness to the next level,” Shah stated regarding fighting it out. “Are you willing, in the age of social media and so-called expert influencers, to fight for what you believe?”
Shah also addressed forgiveness: “It is very easy to have strong opinions,” he said. “What is hard is to find common ground with those who may disagree, and perhaps even harder is to forgive those who we feel may have wronged us in those disagreements. And it is still even harder to forgive ourselves. But that is what a college education should provide you – perspective to do just that.”
He concluded by telling graduates: “You are graduating knowing how to figure it out, fight it out, and forgive in your heart,” he said. “And on behalf of your new village – we look forward to standing beside you every step of the way.”
