Issuu

G E O RG I A GWINNETT

Communications 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) provides access to targeted bachelor’s degrees offers affordable, high-quality associate, bachelors, and selected career-advancing graduate degrees that meet the workforce and economic development needs of the growing Gwinnett County region and beyond. Through a supportive and engaging learning environment, GGC faculty and staff empower students from all backgrounds to achieve their goals and strengthen our communities. www.ggc.edu.

SUMMER 2026

COLLEGE

VOL.13 | ISSUE 2

Connect with us on Social Media

EVERY MIND CAN BLOOM

GGC’s Special Education Majors Answer a Calling, Page 8

ONE MINUTE. ONE EXPERT. ENDLESS DISCOVERY.

Relive your favorite GGC moments, packed into one exciting minute in our video series: “GGC in :60.” Then, learn directly from GGC’s greatest minds in “Closer Look.”

https://tinyurl.com/GGC-in-60

https://tinyurl.com/GGC-CloserLook

Watch both series on the GGC YouTube Channel.

President's Message

Purpose in Action

FRIENDSHIP TO FOREVER

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Jarrett Bonner LaKeidra Veal Hill Laurie Hudson Hoang Huynh Simona Lucchi Barbara Martell Allana Walker

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2 RSOs On the Rise

RSOs ON THE RISE

4 2025-2026 GGC Athletes: By the Numbers

Student involvement is thriving at Georgia Gwinnett College, where a growing number of student organizations are helping students build friendships, develop leadership skills and make the most of their college experience.

5 Trailblazing and Teaching

8 Every Mind Can Bloom

OUT OF THE ASHES

6 From Content Creation to Career Preparation 7 Celebrating Class of Spring 2026 10 Out of the Ashes

From fleeing war as a child to becoming a GGC graduate, professional soccer player and motivational speaker, Pierre Semudenge, ‘17, has turned adversity into a life of purpose, resilience and service.

11 Leaving On a High Note

16 Class Notes and Notables

MUSIC, MEMORY AND AMERICA AT 250 Musical traditions tell the story of our country’s history with generations of cross-cultural influence and collaboration.

Every day at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), our students, faculty, staff and alumni demonstrate what it means to live with purpose. Through learning, service and leadership, they are creating opportunities that transform lives and communities. It is my pleasure to share the summer 2026 edition of Georgia Gwinnett College magazine, celebrating stories that exemplify purpose in action.

PRODUCTION Editor-in-chief: Tyler Ryan Graphic design: Phil Smith Photography: Dan Melograna, Jason Braverman, David Tulis, Andrew Mills Videography: David Sharp, Jaden Crear, Miranda Bennett, Khoi Dong Writing: Teresa Araque, Dale Long, Tyler Ryan, Ken Scar

12 Friendship to Forever 14 Music, Memory and America at 250

COLLABORATORS Sloan Jones, chief of staff Jackie Todd, associate vice president for Communications Teresa Araque, director of Public Relations MAILING LIST To be added to or removed from the Georgia Gwinnett College magazine mailing list, email GGCmagazine@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549. WE VALUE YOUR INPUT Send your ideas and comments about Georgia Gwinnett College magazine to GGCmagazine@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549.

17 Scene Around GGC 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 • www.ggc.edu

ON THE COVER A surreal portrait of a person with flowers blooming from their mind represents all students’ learning potential.

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

Across these pages, you will discover the talent and determination that define our college. From student achievement and academic excellence to alumni success, these stories show how Grizzlies create meaningful change in professions, communities and the lives of others.

One inspiring story spotlights six special education majors whose dedication to teaching and serving others reflects the power of a GGC education. Their commitment to student advocacy will shape classrooms for years to come. Student engagement remains essential to the GGC experience. Through more than 100 registered student organizations, our students can develop leadership and career readiness skills, strengthen communication and build lifelong connections. Dr. Matthew Robison, vice president for Student Affairs, discusses how these experiences prepare graduates to excel professionally and personally. Creativity and collaboration also take center stage. The work of Dr. Marcus Gilley, associate professor of music, and six students who performed an original composition illustrates how artistic expression fosters creativity and collaboration. Another group of students is expanding the college’s reach through strategic content creation on social media. Working with the Communications office, these student influencers gain professional experience while strengthening their skills in branding, storytelling and audience engagement. This issue also celebrates alumni whose accomplishments embody resilience, leadership and service. Featured are Pierre Semudenge, who transformed extraordinary life challenges into a platform for inspiring others; Courtney Valis, a pioneering graduate and technology leader advancing artificial intelligence initiatives; and Benjamin and Inaara Babwani Coker, whose connection at GGC grew into a partnership devoted to mentorship and community outreach. Together, these stories reflect the enduring impact of our institution and the remarkable people who make it so special. They remind us that our greatest measure of success is found not only in the degrees we confer, but in the lives our graduates enrich. I hope you enjoy this issue and take pride in all that our students, faculty, staff and alumni continue to accomplish. Sincerely, Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

Summer 2026 | 1

President's Message

Purpose in Action

FRIENDSHIP TO FOREVER

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Jarrett Bonner LaKeidra Veal Hill Laurie Hudson Hoang Huynh Simona Lucchi Barbara Martell Allana Walker

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2 RSOs On the Rise

RSOs ON THE RISE

4 2025-2026 GGC Athletes: By the Numbers

5 Trailblazing and Teaching

8 Every Mind Can Bloom

OUT OF THE ASHES

6 From Content Creation to Career Preparation 7 Celebrating Class of Spring 2026 10 Out of the Ashes

11 Leaving On a High Note

16 Class Notes and Notables

MUSIC, MEMORY AND AMERICA AT 250 Musical traditions tell the story of our country’s history with generations of cross-cultural influence and collaboration.

PRODUCTION Editor-in-chief: Tyler Ryan Graphic design: Phil Smith Photography: Dan Melograna, Jason Braverman, David Tulis, Andrew Mills Videography: David Sharp, Jaden Crear, Miranda Bennett, Khoi Duong Writing: Teresa Araque, Dale Long, Tyler Ryan, Ken Scar

12 Friendship to Forever 14 Music, Memory and America at 250

17 Scene Around GGC 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 • www.ggc.edu

ON THE COVER A surreal portrait of a person with flowers blooming from their mind represents all students’ learning potential.

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

Summer 2026 | 1

Student involvement is rising at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC)! Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are helping students find community, develop leadership skills and create meaningful connections that can last a lifetime. Over the past three years, GGC has expanded from fewer than 80 RSOs to approximately 110 organizations, offering students more opportunities than ever to connect through shared interests, academic pursuits, cultural experiences and service activities. The growth reflects the college’s commitment to creating an engaging campus environment where every student can find a place to belong. According to Dr. Matthew Robison, vice president for Student Affairs, student organizations help students transform a growing campus into a more personal experience. “Students with similar interests get to learn and explore around that topic and also just have a good time while they’re doing it,” he said. “That sense of enjoyment can really help them connect and make the institution feel a lot smaller.” To help students discover those opportunities, GGC continues to develop initiatives such as Grizzlies Getting Engaged, which encourages new students to explore campus events, attend meetings and connect with organizations through the Get Involved online platform. The initiative reflects a broader effort to increase participation and help students become engaged from their first days on campus and eventually stay engaged after graduation. The benefits of RSO involvement extend far beyond college. Through leadership roles, event planning, teamwork and service, students gain valuable experiences that prepare them for their careers while strengthening their connection to GGC. For Robison, those connections often become the foundation for lifelong alumni engagement. “The way students really connect and stay connected, and have those feel-good memories about their time at an institution, is through their time in an RSO,” he said. He added that involvement often creates bonds that continue long after students leave campus. “It helps keep alumni involved — they’re not necessarily just a Grizzly, but a Grizzly that was involved in SGA, or a Grizzly that was involved in a Greek organization,” Robison said. “That RSO connection can be quite powerful.”

Summer 2026 | 3

2025-26 GGC Athletics: By the Numbers National and conference championship titles, academic accolades and historic achievements once again defined another successful year for Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) Athletics in the 2025-26 academic year. Across eight athletic programs, Grizzly student-athletes excelled at the conference, national and classroom levels. “Our mission has always been to develop lifelong leaders of character through academic and athletic excellence,” said Dr. Ian Potter, executive director of Athletics. “Athletics teaches students leadership, teamwork, resilience, discipline and time management — skills that translate directly to success in graduate school, the workforce and their communities.” The key to building a successful culture both on the field and court and in the classroom, said Potter, is taking a people-first approach.

2 31 11 6 3.3 6

“We’ve built a culture by hiring coaches who prioritize developing the whole student-athlete academically, athletically and personally, and who genuinely care about their long-term success,” he said. “Glenda Dowdy (assistant athletics director for compliance, academic and business services) has also done an amazing job providing academic support to our student-athletes and making sure the coaches are aware of each student’s academic progress.”

Not one to rest on laurels, Potter added that Athletics is always striving to raise the bar. “We celebrate our accomplishments, but we’re always looking for ways to improve,” he said. “Whether it’s academics, competitive success, facilities or student support, our goal is to be better tomorrow than we are today.”

Men’s and women’s basketball joined GGC’s athletic offerings in 2025-26. Both teams led the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in attendance while playing home games in the new Convocation Center, won more than 20 games and advanced to the Continental Athletic Conference Championship finals. Student-athletes received 31 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors.

Men’s tennis won its 11th NAIA national championship, tying the record for the most titles in NAIA men’s tennis history.

GGC teams qualified for six NAIA national tournaments. Men’s soccer matched the deepest postseason finish in program history by advancing to the national quarterfinals.

The cumulative grade-point average achieved by GGC student-athletes during the 2025-26 academic year.

Student-athletes earned six Academic All-America honors, including two selections each in men’s soccer and men’s tennis.

4 | ggcmagazine.ggc.edu

15 5 7 8 4

Student-athletes earned 15 NAIA All-America honors.

Student-athletes earned five Continental Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors.

Teams earned seven NAIA Top 25 rankings. Baseball advanced to the Avista NAIA World Series for the eighth consecutive season. GGC teams captured four Continental Athletic Conference championships.

Trailblazing and Teaching As the first graduate of Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) management information systems (MIS) program, Courtney Valis helped shape one of the college’s fastest-growing academic pathways while building an impressive career in technology leadership. Today, she serves as Director Specialist of AI Workforce for Microsoft’s Manufacturing Vertical, but one of her proudest accomplishments brought her back to where it all began: teaching at GGC. Valis learned early from her parents the value of hard work and education. After graduating from Brookwood High School in 2005, she attended several colleges before finding the right fit at GGC in 2008. Drawn to both business and technology, she initially envisioned a sales career while working full time at Fry’s Electronics. Everything changed when she enrolled in a project management class taught by Dr. Melinda Cline, who had recently created GGC’s MIS program. “I chose MIS as a career field because of Dr. Cline,” Valis recalled. “I felt MIS, coupled with an information technology minor, would be a perfect fit for me.” Determined to graduate on time, Valis balanced full-time work with demanding coursework, including taking five classes in a single summer. “If I wasn’t at school, I was at work,” she said. “Once I took that last final exam that summer, I never felt so accomplished.” Valis graduated magna cum laude in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in MIS and a minor in information technology. She later earned an MBA from Georgia Tech and built an accomplished career with AT&T, Delta Air Lines, Carters Inc. and ultimately Microsoft. Even with her professional success, Valis remained deeply connected to GGC. In 2019, she became one of the college’s first alumni to return as a faculty member, teaching MIS and organizational behavior. “Teaching at GGC is a highlight in my career,” she said. “I learned so much from the students.” Her advice for future students is simple: “Just do it! Go for the relationships. It will open doors you did not even know were there.”

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-CourtneyValis

Summer 2026 | 5

2 31 11 6 3.3 6

Men’s tennis won its 11th NAIA national championship, tying the record for the most titles in NAIA men’s tennis history.

GGC teams qualified for six NAIA national tournaments. Men’s soccer matched the deepest postseason finish in program history by advancing to the national quarterfinals.

The cumulative grade-point average achieved by GGC student-athletes during the 2025-26 academic year.

Student-athletes earned six Academic All-America honors, including two selections each in men’s soccer and men’s tennis.

4 | ggcmagazine.ggc.edu

15 5 7 8 4

Student-athletes earned 15 NAIA All-America honors.

Student-athletes earned five Continental Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors.

Teams earned seven NAIA Top 25 rankings. Baseball advanced to the Avista NAIA World Series for the eighth consecutive season. GGC teams captured four Continental Athletic Conference championships.

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-CourtneyValis

Summer 2026 | 5

From Content Creation To Career Preparation For three Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students, joining the recent wave of social media “influencing” has become more than a trend. It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience that is enriching their college careers and preparing them for life beyond graduation. Through a program with GGC’s Communications team, students Miranda Bennett, Jaden Crear and Khoi Duong have learned that creating social media content for GGC’s online channels is about more than posting videos and counting views. The student influencers serve as the student voice of GGC, highlighting campus events, student life and opportunities that many might otherwise miss. Along the way, they’re building confidence, developing marketable skills and discovering career paths of their own. “Being creative is something I love to do. I think it gives you more freedom to be yourself. You have your own voice, and you can express that through media,” Crear said about his decision to become a student influencer. Bennett, a business marketing major and self-described people person, said the experience is helping her connect with others, shine a light on the lesser-known parts of GGC and even refine her professional goals. Duong, also a business marketing major, said the role confirmed an interest in social media marketing while providing valuable experience with editing, communication and content strategy.

(CMAP) major, the position offers opportunities to strengthen on-camera skills while continuing to grow as a content creator. Beyond technical skills, the program helps them develop the soft skills employers value most. Duong pointed to time management as the most important skill he’s gained, teaching him to stay organized, meet deadlines and communicate effectively.

CELEBRATING CLASS OF SPRING 2026 A New Chapter Begins

More than 850 graduates in Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) spring 2026 class marked a milestone on May 15, celebrating their achievements during two commencement ceremonies at the Convocation Center. Across both ceremonies, a spirit of accomplishment, resilience and community defined the day as graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. GGC honored Rubye Wilburn Neal with an honorary bachelor’s degree in education for her lifelong dedication to expanding opportunity and preserving local history. Student speakers emphasized growth and purpose.

Health science graduate Avanti Moore encouraged her peers to embody GGC’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity, while political science graduate Enna Lackey urged classmates to embrace challenges and push beyond their comfort zones. Keynote speaker Kelley Balkcom, the metro north region executive at Georgia Power, reinforced these messages, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, compassion and persistence in today’s evolving world. As the spring 2026 class begins its next chapter, graduates leave GGC equipped with the values shaped during their time on campus and prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

“I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it really sets us up for success, especially in business marketing and CMAP,” Bennett said. The experience has even brought unexpected recognition. Duong recalled being approached in grocery stores and restaurants by people who recognized him from GGC’s social media channels. “I’m glad GGC has been able to spread its impact and its culture. There are people out there who know me, and they don’t even go to GGC,” Duong said. Most importantly, the influencers see themselves as representatives of the GGC experience. Through storytelling, networking and content creation, they are gaining career-ready experience while helping showcase the vibrant GGC community to current and future Grizzlies.

For Crear, a cinema, media arts and production

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-StudentInfluencers

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-Commencement

Summer 2026 | 7

From Content Creation To Career Preparation For three Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students, joining the recent wave of social media “influencing” has become more than a trend. It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience that is enriching their college careers and preparing them for life beyond graduation. Through a program with GGC’s Communications team, students Miranda Bennett, Jaden Crear and Khoi Dong have learned that creating social media content for GGC’s online channels is about more than posting videos and counting views. The student influencers serve as the student voice of GGC, highlighting campus events, student life and opportunities that many might otherwise miss. Along the way, they’re building confidence, developing marketable skills and discovering career paths of their own. “Being creative is something I love to do. I think it gives you more freedom to be yourself. You have your own voice, and you can express that through media,” Crear said about his decision to become a student influencer. Bennett, a business marketing major and self-described people person, said the experience is helping her connect with others, shine a light on the lesser-known parts of GGC and even refine her professional goals. Dong, also a business marketing major, said the role confirmed an interest in social media marketing while providing valuable experience with editing, communication and content strategy.

(CMAP) major, the position offers opportunities to strengthen on-camera skills while continuing to grow as a content creator. Beyond technical skills, the program helps them develop the soft skills employers value most. Dong pointed to time management as the most important skill he’s gained, teaching him to stay organized, meet deadlines and communicate effectively.

CELEBRATING CLASS OF SPRING 2026 A New Chapter Begins

“I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it really sets us up for success, especially in business marketing and CMAP,” Bennett said. The experience has even brought unexpected recognition. Dong recalled being approached in grocery stores and restaurants by people who recognized him from GGC’s social media channels. “I’m glad GGC has been able to spread its impact and its culture. There are people out there who know me, and they don’t even go to GGC,” Dong said. Most importantly, the influencers see themselves as representatives of the GGC experience. Through storytelling, networking and content creation, they are gaining career-ready experience while helping showcase the vibrant GGC community to current and future Grizzlies.

For Crear, a cinema, media arts and production

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-StudentInfluencers

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-Commencement

Summer 2026 | 7

EVERY MIND CAN BLOOM

GGC’s Special Education Majors Answer a Calling Special education teachers change lives every day. At Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), students preparing for that calling are learning that success in the field requires far more than just attending lectures or completing assignments. For GGC student and senior Anthony Le, an education major in the special education concentration, the decision to become a teacher was shaped by personal experience. Having been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, he understands the impact a supportive educator can have on a student’s life. “My neighbor told me I should become a special education teacher because I can be an inspiration to others,” said Le. Under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Boggan, professor of special education and Special Education and Social Foundations department chair, future educators get an immersive, hands-on understanding of the profession. Students gain the knowledge and skills to support learners with a wide range of needs. GGC’s Bachelor of Science in Special Education is unique in that it provides students with a paraprofessional-to-teacher pathway. “GGC faculty actually have experience in the field,” he said.

Students participate in a yearlong, on-site teaching experience that places them directly in Gwinnett County schools, where they work alongside professional educators and interact with students every day. Through these opportunities, they witness firsthand both the challenges and the victories that define special education. The need for special education teachers continues to grow. According to Gwinnett County Public Schools’ “By the Numbers” report from October 2025, more than 26,000 students, 14.65% of the district’s nearly 180,000 students, receive special education services. In addition to being seniors at GGC, Will Roque-Reyes is a paraprofessional at Norcross High School in Norcross, Michelle Saldanha is a paraprofessional at Dyer Elementary School in Dacula and Fatoumata Bah is a special education paraprofessional at Starling Elementary in Grayson. What they’ve gained in their studies gives them additional professional tools to use when they become teachers. Nimat Muhammad graduated from the program in May 2026 and is now a special education teacher at McNair Middle School in Decatur. April Ferrero, also a May graduate, is an autism spectrum disorder III teacher at Oakland Meadow School in Lawrenceville. “The entire staff of GGC’s program is there to help us out and to cheer us on. If my students are happy, feel loved and they get on the bus in the afternoon safe, then it’s been a good day. If learning happens and we’ve made an impact, that’s all I can ask for,” said Ferrero.

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-MatthewBoggan

Summer 2026 | 9

EVERY MIND CAN BLOOM

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-MatthewBoggan

Summer 2026 | 9

Leaving on a High Note: Seniors Embrace Tradition and Alumni Life

Few Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) alumni embody resilience and perseverance as fully as 2017 graduate Pierre Semudenge. A former Grizzlies men’s soccer player, professional athlete and motivational speaker, Semudenge transformed a childhood shaped by war and displacement into a life dedicated to inspiration, education and service. Born in Rwanda in 1993, Semudenge was still an infant when his family fled the violence that would become the Rwandan genocide. Alongside his seven siblings, he escaped with his parents to refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but conflict followed them. During the First Congolese Civil War, Semudenge became separated from his parents and several of his siblings. He was three-and-a-half years old and never saw either of his parents alive again. His father is buried in Rwanda, but his mother’s body was never found. Raised afterward by his oldest sister and her husband, Semudenge spent years moving between refugee camps during the Second Congolese Civil War, surviving constant uncertainty and danger. “Altogether, we lived for seven years in survival mode,” he said. At age eight, the family finally found refuge in the Netherlands, where Semudenge experienced peace and stability for the first time. Soccer became his bridge into a new culture and community.

“It felt as if part of me belonged there,” he said of a teenage visit to Atlanta during an international soccer tournament. “I made a vow to return one day to live and play soccer there.”

Senior Sendoff at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), held weeks before commencement, gave graduating students a chance to celebrate how far they’ve come while reflecting on what it means to be part of the GGC community. As graduation approached and students prepared for new opportunities, the event offered a meaningful moment to connect with classmates, faculty and the traditions that make the college special.

Students were also encouraged to think about the role they can play in creating traditions for future generations of Grizzlies. At a college that continues to grow and evolve, traditions are shaped by the people who call GGC home.

That promise eventually led Semudenge to GGC, where he balanced academics and athletics from 2014 to 2017. As a Grizzly, he helped lead championship soccer teams while earning a degree in political science with a focus on international relations. He also volunteered with Friends of Refugees Providing Education and Empowerment (F.R.E.E.), a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that serves the refugee community in Clarkston, Georgia. One day, Semudenge helped arrange for a group of children in the program to attend a GGC Grizzlies soccer game.

“Senior Sendoff is GGC’s signature celebration for graduating seniors and their first official welcome to the GGC Alumni Association,” said Holly Lisle, director of alumni engagement. “What started as a small sendoff has grown into a campus tradition filled with fun, pride, and memorable moments. My favorite part is watching the students learn the Alma Mater, a tradition that comes full circle at Commencement when graduates sing it loudly and proudly.”

“That is one of my most valuable memories at GGC,” he says. “Doing something impactful that serves a purpose bigger than yourself provides a reward that is more priceless than any other.”

Senior Sendoff continues to strengthen students’ connection to GGC, foster pride in the college’s traditions and inspire graduates to carry the Grizzly spirit into the future.

Today, Semudenge shares lessons on resilience and leadership through his Netherlands-based company, Dream Coach, using storytelling, soccer and motivational speaking to help others perform under pressure and overcome adversity — a mission shaped in part by his journey at GGC.

Congratulations to the class of 2026 on joining the GGC alumni family and carrying the Grizzly spirit into the future!

For many students, Senior Sendoff is an opportunity to leave GGC with a deeper appreciation of the institution and its growing legacy. The event encouraged the class of 2026 to see themselves not only as students reaching the finish line, but also as future alumni who will continue to shape the college’s story long after they leave campus. Seniors spent time reflecting on their accomplishments while also looking ahead to the next chapter of their lives. Whether pursuing careers, graduate school or other opportunities, students were reminded that graduation marks the beginning of a new relationship with GGC as engaged alumni.

Save the date for the Homecoming Tailgate: October 24, 2026 10 | ggcmagazine.ggc.edu

Summer 2026 | 11

Leaving on a High Note: Seniors Embrace Tradition and Alumni Life

“It felt as if part of me belonged there,” he said of a teenage visit to Atlanta during an international soccer tournament. “I made a vow to return one day to live and play soccer there.”

“That is one of my most valuable memories at GGC,” he says. “Doing something impactful that serves a purpose bigger than yourself provides a reward that is more priceless than any other.”

Senior Sendoff continues to strengthen students’ connection to GGC, foster pride in the college’s traditions and inspire graduates to carry the Grizzly spirit into the future.

Congratulations to the class of 2026 on joining the GGC alumni family and carrying the Grizzly spirit into the future!

Save the date for the Homecoming Tailgate: October 24, 2026 10 | ggcmagazine.ggc.edu

Summer 2026 | 11

FRIENDSHIP to Forever Their friendship grew naturally through student activities, campus events and shared service to the GGC community.

For Benjamin and Inaara Babwani Coker, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is the place where they found the foundation of their careers and, unexpectedly, the foundation of their marriage. The couple first met outside of Building B on GGC’s campus. Benjamin, then a sophomore heavily involved with the Greenlight Activities Board, spotted Inaara leaving a Student Government Association (SGA) meeting during her freshman year. “I saw her and we only had a quick conversation,” Benjamin recalled. “But we never really let that connection get away from us.” Inaara arrived at GGC determined to push beyond her shy nature and get involved on campus. Joining SGA opened the door not only to friendships, but eventually to the relationship that would shape both of their futures. Their friendship grew naturally through student activities, campus events and shared service to the GGC community. “After a certain point, once Ben knew that I was single, he took my phone, put his number in it, and ever since then we’ve been together. He was young and bold,” Inaara said. Raised in Gwinnett County by families from different cultural and religious backgrounds — Benjamin’s parents are from Nigeria and Cameroon, while Inaara’s family is from Pakistan — they found common ground in GGC’s welcoming environment.

“GGC helped us focus more on our similarities than our differences,” Benjamin said. Benjamin went on to earn his nursing degree and now serves as a cardiac nurse manager at Northside Atlanta. Inaara graduated with a degree in business marketing and currently works in Gwinnett County government’s Business Services division. Even after graduating in 2019, both remain deeply connected to GGC through mentoring students, speaking at campus events and supporting alumni initiatives. They credit GGC not only with launching their careers, but also with helping them grow into confident leaders and partners. “I think we both are able to stay motivated and keep achieving our goals at a young age because of the trust and love in our foundation,” said Inaara. Today, the Cokers continue to pursue ambitious goals while supporting one another every step of the way. “A strong partnership makes all the difference,” Benjamin said. “We challenge each other, encourage each other and celebrate each other’s successes. Having that foundation has helped us accomplish more together than we ever could have on our own.” For the Cokers, GGC will always be more than the place where they met. It is where they discovered their potential, built lifelong confidence and began a partnership that continues to thrive both personally and professionally.

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-BenjaminCoker

Summer 2026 | 13

FRIENDSHIP to Forever Their friendship grew naturally through student activities, campus events and shared service to the GGC community.

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-BenjaminCoker

Summer 2026 | 13

s the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, music offers a unique way to reflect on the nation’s history. According to Dr. Marcus Gilley, associate professor of music, America’s story can be heard in the sounds, instruments and traditions that have evolved through cross-cultural collaboration over many generations. Gilley recently brought that spirit of collaboration to Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) America 250 celebration through his original composition, “Descarga Oso Pardo” (“Brown Bear Jam Session”). Written as a framework for improvisation, the piece placed students at the center of the creative process. Rather than rehearsing extensively, the handpicked student musicians were challenged to collaborate and create in the moment.

are always borrowing from one another to create something new that better expresses who they are in this moment,” Gilley said. For the GGC community, the students’ jam session reflects a lesson that extends well beyond music. The arts teach communication, teamwork and creativity – skills that remain valuable regardless of career path. Whether graduates work in business, education, healthcare or the arts, the ability to collaborate, adapt and contribute something new continues to shape both personal success and the ongoing American story.

“When I introduced it to them, they had not heard it before and we didn’t practice. So, this was a spontaneous thing,” Gilley said. “One of the exciting things about working with young people is introducing these new things, making them really think on the spot, and create something that’s unique to them that hasn’t existed before that moment.”

“One of the exciting things about working with young people is introducing these new things, making them really think on the spot, and create something that’s unique to them that hasn’t existed before that moment.”

From Native American traditions and African musical influences to European folk songs and modern popular music, Gilley sees American music as the product of centuries of cultural exchange. Instruments such as the banjo and drum set, he noted, tell stories of migration, innovation and adaptation that mirror the nation’s development. “There are so many lenses to look at music through that tell the story of people, and it’s still developing, still continuing, and people

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-MarcGilley 14 | ggcmagazine.ggc.edu

Summer 2026 | 15

https://tinyurl.com/GMag-MarcGilley 14 | ggcmagazine.ggc.edu

Summer 2026 | 15

CLASS NOTES

Diondra Burgess, ‘21, human development and aging services, earned a Master of Public Administration. She got married Jan. 3, 2025.

Enrique Huerta, ‘23, political science, works as a paralegal and was accepted into Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

Velvet (Vee) Scott, ‘23, human development and aging services, published her first book, “We’ll Make This Journey.”

Zachary Colon, ‘23, U.S. history, political science and paralegal studies, began law school at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law.

Hannah Foster Hughes, ‘17, business management, accepted a position in asset management at a private equity firm.

Katherine Supic, ‘24, psychology, was accepted into Brenau University’s Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology program.

Hunter Cummings, ‘22, exercise science, married fellow GGC alumna Marina Nash and began a career in education at Flowery Branch High School.

Sherry Smith Johnson, ‘17, nursing, founded Autumn View Hospice and became engaged.

Leola Sykes, ‘24, political science, was promoted at the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity, and commissioned as a Georgia notary public. She was also recently accepted into law school at Arizona State University.

Rachael Derby, ‘22, nursing, began pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing. Shanice Edwards, ‘18, psychology, was accepted into the Journey Class of 2025 through Gwinnett Young Professionals. Jeremy Feagan, ‘24, integrated studies, began a Master of Science in Human Factors program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Jonathan Flores, ‘17, chemistry, and his wife, Michelle Zedonek, ‘16, biology, welcomed their daughter, Catalina. Amanda Franklin, ‘16, U.S. history, traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, and explored several historic landmarks. Fahjah Haney, ‘22, human services, enrolled in a master’s program and is expecting her first child. Isabelle Geller Harris, ‘21, digital media, married Steven Harris, and serves as internal marketing director at Jones & Swanson and is relocating to Alaska. Carmen (Nikki) Gonzalez Hester, ‘22, human development and aging services, got married on Nov. 9, 2024.

Peyton McGuire, ‘24, political science, began a Master of International Affairs program at Texas A&M University and participated in a panel hosted by the George & Barbara Bush Foundation. Shalaya Morissette, ‘12, business administration, published her first coloring book, “Becoming a Chieftess.” Kiley Olchaskey, ‘23, English, earned a master’s degree from Valdosta State University and will begin a doctoral program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Anna Petty, ‘18, psychology, earned a master’s degree and works as a speech-language pathologist for Gwinnett County Public Schools. Md Rahman, ‘19, information systems and security, earned a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from the University of West Georgia. Nestor Ramirez, ‘19, finance, was promoted to senior vice president of finance at Peach State Federal Credit Union.

Scene Around GGC

Benedicta Tetteh, ‘19, psychology, launched her own travel agency.

Jenna Thomas-Samuel, ‘26, biology, traveled to South Africa and Turkey and participated in mission work in Malawi after graduation.

Carla Gresham Williams, ‘17, political science, founded Good Morning Beautiful Boutique in Winder, Georgia. Nitisha Youngblood, ‘25, psychology, accepted a position as a human resources manager and plans to pursue graduate studies at Georgia State University.

If you have news you would like to share with the Georgia Gwinnett College community, please email it to alumni@ggc.edu.

Charlotte Reames, ’21, English, joined LaGrange Memorial Library as a library assistant and plans to pursue graduate studies. She also received the Best News Feature Story Coverage award from the 2025 Alabama Press Association Media Awards.

Notables

Presley Dittman paints one of several beehives installed on campus as part of an initiative led by the Sustainability Committee and the Institute for Environmental Science and Sustainability in collaboration with student organizations.

Dr. LaTonya Harris, assistant professor of special education, earned the National Certified Transition Specialist (NCTS) credential — offered by the Division for Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Alongside eight other leaders in career development and transition for students with disabilities, Dr. Harris is a member of the first group of education professionals to earn the NCTS credential.

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Georgia Gwinnett College President Dr. Jann L. Joseph was recognized at the 2026 Annual Gwinnett American Values Dinner, where University System of Georgia Chancellor Dr. Sonny Perdue praised her seven years of leadership and service to the college. Joseph was one of three recipients of the Scott Hudgins Distinguished Citizen Award, which honors individuals for their leadership, perseverance and commitment to the community.

Information technology students earned multiple national awards at the 2026 America’s Innovate IT Collegiate Conference in Springfield, Missouri. GGC students placed second in both the Database Innovators Challenge and Cyber Sentinel Challenge, while Wendy Calderon-Guzman won first place in the Interactive Digital Media Knowledge Challenge, leading several top-performing finishes by the team.

2 Students join the Asian Student Association and the Vietnamese Student Association to celebrate the Lunar New Year through traditional games, snacks and origami lessons. 3

GGC brings U.S. history to the stage by hosting the live performance “Frederick Douglass: The Lion of Freedom.”

A small hummingbird was discovered on campus, where students safely transported it to a local veterinary clinic to ensure its well-being.

Hispanic Achievers Committed to Excellence in Results (HACER), a living-learning community at GGC, celebrates Global Awareness Week by hosting the HACER Global Fashion Show. The show highlighted cultural identity through traditional and contemporary attire from around the globe.

Award-winning actress, producer, host and humanitarian Monique Coleman poses with GGC students, staff and faculty after delivering the keynote speech during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day program on Jan. 16, 2026.

See more Notables at www.ggc.edu/notables

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