Savannah State University - Division of University Advancement

Savannah State University (SSU) celebrated Homecoming 2022 October 2-8 with a week packed with family, food and fun for all. This year’s theme, “We Remain Significant, Steadfast and Unstoppable,” speaks to the spirit of dedication to shaping young minds, preservation of our history and legacy and the and the impact SSU and her graduates have had on this city and the world. Students kicked of the celebration with a party on Sunday, Food Truck Feast on Monday, Residential Step Show on Tuesday, Pep Rally on Wednesday, and the Alumni Career Connections presented by the Office of Career Services and Leadership Development on Thursday.  On Thursday evening, the coronation, crowning Miss and Mr. Savannah State University themed “Odyssey to the Royal Throne” was held in Tiger Arena. All student activities were sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the Department of Student Life. Alumni got in on the festivities beginning Thursday with the crowning of Ms. Savannah State University Nation

Savannah State University is celebrating the generosity of its alumni and community partners who have donated more than $2 million to impact student success. From left: Dr. William T. Simmons, chairman of SSU Foundation Board; President of SSU Kimberly Ballard-Washington; and Dr. Shalonda Mullgrav, interim vice president of advancement and external affairs.  Savannah State University (SSU) is celebrating the generous financial contributions of its alumni and community partners who have donated more than $2 million to support student scholarships, programmatic needs and career development. To recognize these significant gifts, multiple check presentations took place inside T.A. Wright Stadium during the university’s annual Homecoming game. “Thank you to all those who have so generously given to invest in Savannah State University students,” said President Kimberly Ballard-Washington. “These donations are a true reflection of the ongoing loyalty and support of our dedicated alumni and co

  SSU President Kimberly Ballard-Washington is pictured with SSU Foundation Board Chair Dr. William Simmons The board of directors, alumni, community leaders and friends gathered Saturday, August 27, in the Student Union on the campus of Savannah State to celebrate the 50 th Anniversary of the Savannah State University Foundation.  Greetings were delivered by Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Savannah, Chester Ellis, Chairman, Chatham County Commission, Dr. William Simmons, Board Chairman, Harold Washington, President, Savannah State University National Alumni Association and University President Kimberly Ballard-Washington. Guests dined to the musical stylings of the SSU Jazz Band, and a beautiful selection was delivered by the Wesleyan Gospel Choir. The highlight of the program was the recognition of the individuals who have chaired the Board, including James Carthon, John Kelley, Jr., Dr. Jimmie Jackson, Charles Young and current chairman Dr. William Simmons. Es

  Mr. Lawrence Hutchins, Jr. is pictured with son Wesley Lawrence Hutchins, Jr. was honored with a bridge named for him during a ceremony held at A.E. Beach High School, on July 26th hosted by State Representative Carl Gilliard. The ceremony was followed by a motorcade to the bridge. In part, the resolution establishing the naming of the bridge reads, “WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in his honor. Therefore, be it resolved and enacted by the General Assembly of Georgia that the bridge on US-17 in Chatham County, east of Red Gate Farms Road, over the CSX Rail Line, is dedicated as the Lawrence Hutchins, Jr. Bridge.” Hutchins, a Savannah native, is a 1963 graduate of Savannah State where he obtained a music education degree. He would go on to continue his studies at the Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. His professional career as a music teacher and band direc

You never know how a single email can change the trajectory of your life’s path. Sarita Smith, a Savannah State University senior majoring in political science, had her sights set on attending law school after graduation at Georgetown University (GU) in Washington, D.C., but one day an email from her professor, Dr. Otilia Iancu, peaked her interest.     The email described an all-expenses paid opportunity for HBCU students at the same university she was interested in attending, but it wasn’t for legal education. The Georgetown University Security Studies Summer Institute, designed to give students a small dose of what it means to study and work in the field of security studies, was not a path Sarita saw herself taking, but she was open to exploring what it was all about.   “I didn’t think of myself as a match for the program to be honest, but I was interested in attending law school there, so I thought, let me just try it and see,” she said. The program helps expand the diversity of