From Delta executive to Savannah Bananas leader, Georgia Southern names commencement speakers

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -Georgia Southern University has announced its speakers and ceremony details for Spring 2026 commencement, where approximately 4,400 students are expected to graduate.

Students earning associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees will take part in four ceremonies across Statesboro and Savannah, with the option to choose their preferred location.

Georgia Southern Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies will take place across four events in Statesboro and Savannah, featuring a lineup of distinguished speakers.

Ceremony schedule and speakers

On Monday, May 11 at 9 a.m., undergraduate students from several colleges will graduate at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, with Bob Somers, senior vice president of global sales at Delta Air Lines, serving as keynote speaker.

Later that day at 6 p.m., graduate students from all colleges will be recognized at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, with Nick Westbrook, a Hinesville Chick-fil-A owner known for awarding more than $175,000 in scholarships, addressing graduates.

The Savannah ceremony is set for Wednesday, May 13 at 9 a.m. at Enmarket Arena, where Berry Aldridge, a former Savannah Bananas executive and current recruiting director for the Banana Ball Championship League, will speak to undergraduate students from all colleges.

The final ceremony will take place Thursday, May 14 at 9 a.m. at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, featuring Kim Hartsock, a certified public accountant and business leader recognized statewide, who will address students from the College of Education, Parker College of Business and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.