Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony and Events
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Alumni Pinning Ceremony & Reception Commencement Ceremony Joint ROTC Commissioning Ceremony |
Commencement Ceremony Live Stream Recording
Esteemed Commencement Speaker
Mr. Michael Williams
Founder and CEO, Jetair Flight Systems, LLC.
An aviation safety trailblazer, Michael is responsible for approximately two hundred major design approvals. In addition, he obtained certification of more than 500 FAA approvals for commercial and corporate aircraft. He has built Jetaire into an industry leader in technical solutions that answer the aviation industry’s complex requirements for safety, endurance, and proficiency; providing high-reliability electronic and hardware systems support for critical functions where durability and peak performance are vital.
A 1980 graduate of Savannah State College with a degree in electrical engineering, Michael is an FAA Designated Engineering Representative (Emeritus), having received the appointment in 1984, and maintaining it for thirty-three years. The DER designation is an unprecedented honor in the field of aviation. It is an affirmative statement of trust and confidence that the individual awarded this designation has integrity, diligence, and discretion. It is a further statement that the individual has the knowledge, skill, and experience to merit public responsibility. A DER acts on behalf of the FAA.
One of the youngest persons to receive this designation, Michael maintained his DER appointment for 33 years, when he voluntarily gave it up to allow other qualified individuals to obtain this honor.
Although he voluntarily relinquished his status as a DER, Michael continues his affiliation with the FAA. Since 1996, he has held the position of accountable manager for the Parts Manufacturer Approval system, which makes him the primary contact with the FAA. He has an FAA Airframe and Powerplant License, and he is an FAA Certified Instrument Rated Pilot.
Georgia aviation professionals selected Michael to become a 2025 Inductee into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes Michael’s decades of consistent and excellent contributions to aviation safety and innovation.
He is also the recipient of the 2021 EPPS aviation lifetime achievement award. The coveted award recognizes those within the aviation community that have made significant contributions to the aerospace industry in the State of Georgia. Previous winners include the Presidents of Gulfstream and Delta Air Lines.
Michael has been married for more than 40 years to the love of his life, Leilani, and is the proud father of daughters Kristina and Rachel as well as grandfather to Cason. His passions include flying his Cirrus aircraft and instructing young people about the joys of aviation.
Esteemed Commissioning Ceremony Speaker
U.S. Navy Commander Johnny Mincey
Associate Professor, Naval Science
SSU NROTC Unit
Graduate Resources for Review:
Commencement is a significant moment for graduates. It marks a pinnacle of achievement, and Savannah State University celebrates the occasion with formal pomp and circumstance. The commencement committee is working to create a positive solution for all involved, so that our student’s accomplishments can be celebrated with family and/or friends in attendance.
Here are a few reminders:
- Each student will be allowed to invite a maximum of fifteen (15) guests. Tickets will be required.
- Students and guests will be given specific instructions about entering and exiting the stadium.
If there are any concerns about your degree requirements, please contact your academic advisor. Questions related to diplomas or the application for graduation can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at graduation@savannahstate.edu.
Graduation Photos for Purchase
Graduates, if you would like to purchase your graduation photos, please visit the Upscale Photography website to shop your images in three galleries: 1) Conferring of degree pics with the President, 2) Graduates on background pics, and 3) Various candid pics.
Alumni Pinning Ceremony
The Alumni Pinning Ceremony is a sacred rite of passage marking the significant transition whereby graduates leave the ranks of student and are welcomed as esteemed members of the SSU National Alumni Association.
Here are some important things you should know about the Alumni Pinning Ceremony:- Pinning is a closed event and not open to everyone.
- Participants must have met all graduation requirements.
- You can only participate in the pinning once. If you are receiving an associates and plan to continue on to get the bachelors, you must wait until you have completed requirements for the bachelors degree to participate.
- Graduates can only be pinned by an alum of SSU.
- If you have a relative that is an alum, you can invite them to pin you (one guest only).
- If you do not know an alum that can pin you, alums will be present that will be happy to do it.