Columbus State University is set to honor two notable figures with honorary degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies, slated for May 9, Columbus State University News reports. The recipients of these degrees are Ann Strub, an artist and arts patron hailing from Columbus, now based in New Orleans, and Calvin Smyre, a veteran state legislator with deep roots in Columbus's community.
The 9 a.m. commencement ceremony will celebrate graduates from the College of the Arts and Turner College of Business & Technology. At this event, Strub will be recognized for her contributions as an art patron and supporter, Smyre, Synovus executive and the longest-serving member of the Georgia Legislature, will be honored at the 12:30 p.m. ceremony for the College of Letters & Sciences; Smyre has also been tapped to deliver the guest speech to the new graduates, immersing them in wisdom gleaned from years of dedicated public service, both in the legislature and the private sector.
According to Columbus State's President Stuart Rayfield, honorary degrees represent the university's highest form of recognition and are "not lightly given," as the university considers not just anyone for this coveted honor; the individuals are chosen based on their remarkable volunteer work and philanthropy that have left an indelible mark on the university and the larger community "Ann Strub and Calvin Smyre are certainly no exception," Rayfield emphasized, a testament to the duo's enduring impact.
The rigorous selection process for these honors includes a formal recommendation to the University System of Georgia chancellor, followed by approval from the Board of Regents. An honorary degree from Columbus State has remained an esteemed accolade since the institution issued its first one in 1997, with 41 individuals having been recognized to date.
