Georgia Southwestern State University will hold its Spring 2014 Commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9 in Convocation Hall of the GSW Student Success Center. The commencement speaker is Laura Lee Bocade, relationship and community development manager for DIRTT Environmental Solutions in Savannah.

DIRTT is a Calgary-based manufacturer of prefabricated, sustainable interior construction solutions with a plant in Savannah, Ga. Bocade joined DIRTT as a talent manager in 2008 and transitioned to relationship and community development in 2011. Her mission is to develop and nurture community partnerships, what she calls “spreading DIRTT,” as part of DIRTT’s progressive approach to corporate responsibility and philanthropy. 

Bocade graduated from Central Michigan University and is certified as a senior professional in human resource management. Prior to joining DIRTT, Bocade served as director of operations for Medallist Developments’ Savannah Quarters, a 1600-acre master-planned community. She also worked for Coastal Bank, now Ameris Bank, and served as the chief operating officer for Innovations in Contemporary Furniture in Atlanta, Ga.

Courtney McDonald, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology and 2014 and recipient of the Excellence and Commitment to Teaching award, will serve as the Macebearer and deliver the reflection. Gary Kline, Ph.D., professor political science, will be the Grand Marshal.

An estimated 300 students are expected to graduate. Limited seating will be available, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.

A hooding ceremony for graduate students will take place at 9 a.m. in Jackson Performance Hall. For additional information, contact Stephen Snyder at (229) 931-2037 or email [email protected].