Ambassador Andrew Young to Speak at GGC Commencement

Former Atlanta mayor and Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Youngwas chosen as Georgia Gwinnett College's commencement speaker for the May 17th ceremony.

“Ambassador Young is one of our nation’s most inspiring leaders,” said GGC President Daniel Kaufman in a release. “His many public service roles give him a unique perspective on the issues and opportunities facing graduates entering today’s global economy. His life demonstrates what a dedicated citizen can do for his community, state and nation. His perspectives are uniquely appropriate for our graduating seniors.”

Young worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement. His works led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and theVoting Rights Act of 1965.

In 1972, Young was elected to the U.S. Congress-- the first African-American elected from the deep South since Reconstruction. Five years later, President Jimmy Carter appointed him as Ambassador to the United Nations, making Young the first African-American to hold the position.

Young also helped bring the Centennial Olympic Games to Atlanta in 1996. He oversaw the largest Olympics Games in history while serving as co-chair.

The former ambassador serves on several boards including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, the Atlanta Falcons and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and Morehouse College.

GGC's commencement ceremony will take place Friday, May 17th at 10am on the schools' quad. This will also be Kaufman's final commencement as President of the college.