Alumni

Story developed by University Communications. Dr. Amy Amundson Smith, ’93, is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist with neuro-oncology. She serves as the division chief of the Haley Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program—one of the largest pediatric neuro-oncology services in the southeast.  Smith traces the start of her journey toward becoming a medical...

Dr. Kristin Corbin Oja, ’11, ’14, ’15, founder of STAT Wellness in the greater Atlanta area, focuses on functional medicine with her patients, so they can live the best, healthy version of themselves every day. Learn how her education, especially her Master of Science in Nursing at Georgia College & State University, aligned well with her career goal of helping others to be intentional in their health. 

Rafal remembers the feeling. In early 2020, Rafal, who goes by just his surname, was in the audience at an honors conference hearing his composition for saxophone quartet played by an ensemble of professional musicians. It was a turning point. “It felt like that was one of the first times that one of my pieces was actually performed,” he said. “I felt like a real composer—I felt like I had just done something in real life rather than just pretending.” But it might not have played out...

Jason Hendrix, '09, knew something important was missing when he attended the Georgia College & State University (GCSU) basketball games as a junior. The other teams had mascots, but GCSU didn't.  That's when Hendrix led the charge of the Thundercats—a rowdy, GCSU fan base comprised of Hendrix’s friends, which, in turn, lead to the creation of the university’s mascot “Thunder.” When he wasn't running cross-country or working at The Colonnade, Hendrix was a sport photographer, traveling...

Dr. Susan Daneman Richardson, ’84, and Andy Richardson, ’83, are each on a mission. Susan’s striving to make drinking water safe, and Andy’s offering scholarships to Georgia College & State University (GCSU) chemistry students.  Susan’s been the recipient of several national awards and international recognition. She developed an interest for chemistry in high school, which grew from there and matured at Georgia College. Dr. John Hargaden helped inform that growth. He taught physical...

Daniel Brown ’11, has come a long way since earning his GED.  A first-generation, nontraditional college student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Georgia College & State University (GCSU). He’s always been fascinated by buildings and architecture, owing to his studies and work in construction and plant operations at GCSU. Daniel’s the chief building official of building and fire safety for Macon-Bibb County through his company, SAFEbuilt. At Safebuilt—a 30-year-old...

Georgia College & State University’s (GCSU) Alumni Weekend is Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5. From the 4th annual “A Night Under the Stars” Gala, providing top-notch entertainment to the Alumni Awards Dinner, you’ll enjoy catching up with fellow alumni. Two GCSU alumni have their hearts set on Alumni Weekend. The experience is priceless. “Most alumni, like myself, enjoy any opportunity to come back to campus, but doing so on Alumni Weekend gives us a unique opportunity to interact...

Jenna Byrd, ’22, was recently awarded a prestigious fellowship to Germany. The mass communication graduate is one of 75 Americans selected to study and work in Germany, August 2022 through June 2023, as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program. Approximately 450 young professionals competed for the opportunity.  “I wanted to live in the country and experience things firsthand,” Byrd said. “I’ve taken German language courses but never got...

Dr. Cedric Howard, ’94, who was Georgia College & State University’s (GCSU) commencement speaker in 2017, has been named one of the “Top 10 Inspiring People in Education” by CIO Views Magazine. And all for good reason. As vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at the University of Northern Colorado, Howard impacts the lives of students every day. “I like my role because I'm able to change the trajectory of not just the lives of students, but their families,” Howard...