Albany State University honored over 950 students for their academic achievement at the 2023 Honors Day Ceremony on March 16 in the west campus arena.

“We are pleased to recognize our students who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and academic excellence to achieve this prestigious honor,” said President Marion Ross Fedrick. “Our continued focus on academic excellence and student success has led to an increase in the past year of over 60 new honor students; a number we look forward to continuing to grow over time.”

To qualify for recognition, the students must be enrolled full-time and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Thirty-eight of the students recognized have a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The Honorable Judge Victoria S. Darrisaw, from the Dougherty County Superior Court, served as the guest speaker. This was special, as her son, George Darrisaw, a senior psychology major, was in the audience as an honoree. She talked about different types of dreams, and how to own, understand, and achieve them. “To achieve your dreams, you must believe while others are doubting, plan while others are playing, study while others are sleeping, decide while others are delaying, prepare while others are procrastinating, and persist while others are quitting.”

One student, in particular, was honored three times. Adia Sakura-Lemessy, a senior computer science major, received the University System of Georgia (USG) Academic Recognition Day Outstanding Scholar Award, the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award, and the Highest Ranked Senior in Computer Science Award.

The College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies Dean’s Award was presented to Zikeria Jones, a senior accounting major.

The Darton College of Health Professions Dean’s Award was presented to Chenequa Daniels, a senior nursing student.

The event is coordinated by Dr. Florence Lyons, Director of the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program. “We are so happy we had this ceremony for our students. They are so worthy, such phenomenal students. We are very proud of them,” Dr. Lyons said.

Honors Day serves to recognize and honor undergraduate students from all disciplines. The students have demonstrated excellence in academic coursework and research, which reflects the theme: “Honoring Excellence in Academic Achievement.”