GMC News

Georgia Military College Announces Commencement Speakers

Beginning in May, Georgia Military College will celebrate graduates from across the 15 campuses as they embark on a new chapter in life with an Associate’s or Bachelor of Applied Science degree. At Georgia Military College Prep School, graduates will walk across the stage to receive their high school diploma, and for some, they’ll receive an Associate’s Degree as well. To prepare them for this new journey, GMC graduates will be encouraged and inspired by some of the top leaders in various fields at their commencement ceremonies.

Below are the speakers and commencement information for GMC’s campuses:

GMC’s Augusta Campus: May 18, 10:00 a.m. at the William B. Bell Auditorium – 712 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901
Commencement Speaker: Honorable Bobby Christine

The Honorable Bobby Christine is United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia and also serves as State Judge Advocate for the Georgia National Guard. As U.S. Attorney, his district covers 43 counties, where he handles federal criminal and civil cases. Christine is a proud graduate of Georgia Military College, where he commissioned with the Corps of Cadets in 1989 and has taught classes on the GMC-Augusta campus. He has also earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College.

GMC’s Commissioning Ceremony: May 23, 4:00 p.m. in the Goldstein Center for Performing Arts on GMC’s Milledgeville Campus
Commencement Speaker: Maj. Gen. Frank Muth

Maj. Gen. Frank Muth is Commanding General of the United States Army Recruiting Command in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He leads the USAREC team, which is responsible for active Army and Army Reserve recruiting, and includes more than 12,000 recruiters and support personnel stationed at approximately 1,500 worldwide locations. Muth graduated from Norwich University and was commissioned in Army Aviation. He has also graduated from Flight School, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Muth has received numerous awards and decorations, including Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star, both with two oak leaf clusters.

GMC’s Sandersville Campus: May 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Washington EMC Auditorium – 258 N. Harris St., Sandersville, GA 31082
Commencement Speaker: Dr. Jean Sumner

Dr. Jean Rawlings Sumner is Dean of the Mercer University School of Medicine, where she was a member of the first graduating class of physicians. Throughout her career, Sumner has championed the Mercer School of Medicine’s objective to meet the health and primary care needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia. She dedicated her years as a private physician serving rural counties in the state, including Washington County. Prior to attending Mercer, Sumner graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing and was an RN at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin.

GMC’s Milledgeville and Madison Campuses: May 24, 10:00 a.m. at the GMC Activity Center – 249 Broad Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Commencement Speaker: Maj. Gen. Gary Brito

Maj. Gen. Gary Brito is Commanding General of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center for Excellence at Fort Benning. He has the honor of being the first African American commanding general at Fort Benning. Brito received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, and has master’s degrees from Troy State University and Joint Advanced Warfighting School. He was commissioned as an infantry officer and first stationed at Fort Benning, where he has also completed Ranger School and served as Battalion Commander 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

GMC Prep School: May 24, 7:00 p.m. on Grant Parade Field at GMC’s Milledgeville Campus
Commencement Speaker: Rob Posner

Robert “Rob” Posner is CEO of NewDay USA and Chrysalis Holdings LLC, and co-chairman of the NewDay USA Foundation. NewDay USA is a national VA mortgage company dedicated to helping veterans, active service members, and their families. The NewDay USA Foundation has awarded scholarships to students at more than a dozen U.S. military schools, including GMC Prep School. Posner is a graduate of Fishburne Military School and attended the University of Maryland. He serves on several boards, including the advisory board of the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets at the University of Maryland School of Business.

GMC’s Albany and Valdosta Campuses: May 31, 7:00 p.m. at the Valdosta State University PE Complex – 401 Baytree Road, Valdosta, GA 31601
Commencement Speaker: State Representative John LaHood

Rep. John LaHood is a member in the Georgia House of Representatives who represents District 175. LaHood sits on several legislative and non-legislative committees that include: Health and Human Services; Human Relations and Aging; Information and Audits; and Game, Fish and Parks. The Valdosta native is president and CEO of Fellowship Senior Living that has approximately 250 employees and operates five senior living communities in Georgia. LaHood is a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, attended Valdosta State University, and is a certified and registered nurse.

GMC’s Fairburn, Fayetteville, Stone Mountain, and Zebulon Campuses: June 1, 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church – 551 New Hope Road, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Commencement Speaker: Alveda King

Alveda C. King is an evangelist, Fox News contributor and correspondent, member of the Priests for Life pastoral team, and former member of the Georgia House of Representatives. She is the niece of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the daughter of civil rights activist the Rev. A. D. King. Alveda King studied journalism and sociology as an undergraduate and has a master’s degree in business management. Among her many other accomplishments and achievements, King is a former college professor, prolific author, and the founder of Alveda King Ministries.

GMC’s Columbus Campus: June 7, 2:00 p.m. at the Convention and Trade Center – 801 Front Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
Commencement Speaker: Mayor B.H. “Skip” Henderson III

B.H. “Skip” Henderson III is Mayor of the city of Columbus, Georgia, home of Fort Benning. The Columbus native served as a city councilman for almost two decades, including six years spent as Budget Committee chairperson. Henderson has also served as chair for several nonprofit and civic organizations in Columbus, which include the Kiwanis Club, March of Dimes, and Better Business Bureau. He attended Columbus College before building a real estate career that started with his father’s agency and advanced to becoming a team leader at Keller Williams Realty River Cities.

GMC’s Warner Robins, Dublin, and Eastman Campuses: June 8, 12:00 p.m. at the Homer J. Walker Civic Center – 700 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093
Commencement Speaker: Senator Larry Walker III

Sen. Larry Walker III is the minority caucus vice chairman and represents District 20 in the Georgia State Senate. Walker is a member of several Senate committees that include: Insurance and Labor; Health and Human Services; Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; and Appropriations. He is also an ex-officio member of the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee. The Perry native is president and CEO of Walker Insurance Agency, a business he founded in 1996. Walker is a graduate of the University of Georgia and certified insurance counselor.

Georgia Military College is excited for the next step in these graduates’ lives!