400 graduate from GSW, Watts says “Find your life’s work”

AMERICUS (Dec. 14, 2013)—As it does this time each year, excitement filled the air today in Convocation Hall of the GSW Student Success Center for Fall 2013 Commencement. Rob Watts, interim president of Georgia Perimeter College, was the keynote speaker as 405 students from places like China, India, Connecticut and Americus graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University.
Watts asked the graduates two questions: 1) “What are you looking for in this next phase [of life]” and 2) “What if you haven’t learned it yet.” Regardless of the answer, he implored them not to “settle for a job,” rather, “find your life’s work.”
Watts began his second stint as interim president at Georgia Perimeter in May 2012. He previously served as interim president of Georgia Perimeter College in Decatur, Ga., from 2005-2006. Watts earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Florida State University, in Tallahassee. He also holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University’s Bologna Center, in Bologna, Italy.
During the ceremony, LaVerne Worthy, Ph.D., professor of psychology and 2013 Professor of the Year Award recipient, served as Macebearer and delivered the reflection. Greg M. Hawver, Ed.D., professor and department chair of Health and Human Performance, served as the Grand Marshal.
Earlier in the day at the graduation breakfast, Professor of English Jeffrey Waldrop, Ph.D., was recognized as the 2013 recipient of the Excellence and Commitment to Teaching Award.

GSW President Kendall Blanchard hands a diploma to Jennifer Starvetsky of Warner Robins, Ga., who graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in biology.