Savannah State Update:
- Convocation honored students maintaining a 3.0+ GPA with awards including Gold, Medal, Silver Medallion, the President’s List and the Dean’s List.
- Dr. Quianna Lavant urged students to value discipline, focus, and unseen sacrifices, celebrating accomplishments that will carry forward into their lives.
- Carolyn Charlize Jael Calhoun named USG Board of Regents academic representative; faculty awards honored Dr. Benn Bongang (teaching excellence) and Dr. Chao Guan (research excellence).
Savannah State University (SSU) transformed Tiger Arena into a sea of orange and blue excellence on April 9, as the institution hosted its annual Honors Convocation. The ceremony recognized the academic triumphs of more than 1,800 students and celebrated the distinguished contributions of the university’s faculty.
The event, a cornerstone of SSU’s academic tradition, celebrates students who maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Awards were presented across several prestigious categories, including: Gold, Medal, and Silver Medallion, The President’s List and The Dean’s List
Dr. Quianna Lavant, an SSU alumna and current Dean of Students at Midlands Technical College, delivered a powerful keynote address that resonated with students and families alike.
“Today you are being recognized for your academic excellence, and we know it is not easy being here,” said Dr. Lavant. “It took discipline, it took focus, it took sacrifice that is often unseen—the late nights filled with doubts and choosing your goals in the midst of stress. What you have accomplished is significant, and it will carry with you for the rest of your lives.”
A highlight of the morning was the recognition of SSU student Carolyn Charlize Jael Calhoun, who was honored as the 2026 University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents Academic Recognition Day representative. For over 35 years, this honor has been reserved for one outstanding undergraduate from each of the USG institutions who embodies exceptional scholastic achievement and character.
SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl took the stage to honor two faculty members whose dedication to research and teaching has significantly impacted the SSU community. Dr. Benn Bongang, Professor of Public Administration and Political Science, received the SSU Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Bongang was recognized for his implementation of best practices in both face-to-face and online instruction, as well as his innovative use of instructional technology.
Dr. Chao Guan, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science, was presented with the Faculty Excellence Award. This honor recognizes Dr. Guan’s success in securing vital research grants and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative work within his discipline.
Adding to the sentiment of the day, Dr. Marcus S. Cox, SSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, noted the broader impact of the ceremony.
“This convocation is more than a ceremony. It is a reflection of our mission to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Seeing over 1,800 scholars cross this threshold of excellence confirms that the future of Tiger Nation is brighter than ever. We are immensely proud of their resilience and the faculty who guide them.”
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