Georgia Southwestern State University held its Spring 2016 Commencement and conferred bachelor's and master's degrees to approximately 250 students. The event was held in Convocation Hall of the Student Success Center. Retired State Senator George Hooks delivered the keynote address.

Interim President Charles Patterson, Ph.D., introduced the 32-year veteran of the Georgia General Assembly. Hooks encouraged the class of 2016 to “always strive for the top,” but never to “forget the impact your efforts have on others.”

A slight change in the ceremony format included the hooding of graduates receiving master’s degrees. Graduate hooding previously took place in a separate ceremony prior to commencement. The School of Business Administration hosted a refreshment station (“Cake, Cookies, Commencement”) for graduates and their family’s following the event.
Faculty Senate President and Professor of Geology Samuel T. Peavy, Ph.D., served as the Macebearer during commencement. Jeffrey Waldrop, Ph.D., professor of English, was the Grand Marshal. Alumni Association President Lemond Hall, Ed.D., conferred alumni membership to the class.