Published: May 07, 2008 03:35 pm            

Chambliss, Cathy, Spector at Berry commencement

Submitted by Berry College



ROME — U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss will address approximately 300 graduates as the keynote speaker at Berry College’s May 10 spring commencement. The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the Memorial Library lawn and will be streamed live via the Internet at www.berry.edu/webcast.

Joining Chambliss as special guests at the ceremony will be Sam Spector and Truett Cathy, two longtime friends of the college who will be receiving Berry’s honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of extraordinary achievement and meritorious service.

Spector is the retired president of Garden Lakes Realty Co. in Rome and a former business professor and department chair at Berry. During his nine years at the college, he led the effort to establish the Master of Business Administration program. He continues to serve as a member of the Executive Advisory Council for the Campbell School of Business.

Cathy is founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Chick-fil-A Inc., the second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States based on annual sales. He is also the founder of the WinShape Foundation, which annually awards 20 to 30 students wishing to attend Berry with scholarships up to $32,000 that are jointly funded by WinShape and the college. Other involvement with Berry includes WinShape Camps, WinShape Retreat and WinShape Homes.

In addition to Chambliss’ remarks and the presentation of the honorary doctorates, this year’s ceremony also will feature a special procession by the college class of 1958 in honor of the 100th anniversary celebration for the Berry Alumni Association.

Speaking for the graduating seniors will be Allison Shelton, a government major from Kennesaw. She is the daughter of William and Diane Shelton.

A baccalaureate service will be at 10:30 a.m. in the Berry College Chapel.

        

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