Amea Thompson Named Undergraduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker at VSU

VALDOSTA — Amea J. Thompson of Springfield, Georgia, will deliver one of two commencement addresses during the virtual Undergraduate Ceremony portion of Valdosta State University’s 229^th Commencement, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at valdosta.edu/commencement.

Thompson graduates with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication and a Minor in Advertising and Promotions.

Thompson said that it is an esteemed honor to be able to speak on behalf of the graduates at VSU’s first virtual undergraduate commencement ceremony. She said “never in a million years” did she think she would ever have an opportunity such as this, and she is incredibly grateful for everyone’s support. 

“If there are any words of encouragement I can offer my fellow spring graduates,” she added, “it’s a quote by Paulo Friere, which states, ‘Education does not change the world. Education changes the people who will change the world.’ I believe we have been faced with more change in our world in the past few months than we could ever have imagined. But still, I have immeasurable hope for our future, knowing that our graduates will go out prepared to make it better by rising to this unprecedented occasion.”

As a student at VSU, Thompson served two academic terms as student body vice president and two terms as a Student Government Association senator. She participated in the University Ambassadors Program, was a member of the Wesley Foundation Leadership Team and the Blazin’ Brigade Color Guard, helped welcome first-year students to campus as a Blazer Beginnings Orientation leader, and completed a one-year internship with the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact. She was inducted into Blue Key Honor Society.  

Thompson fully embraced VSU’s commitment to act as a resource and innovative leader for South Georgia and sought out ways to give back to the region. She volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, the Greater Valdosta United Way, and Second Harvest of South Georgia.

Taking full advantage of VSU’s rich and diverse lineup of study abroad programs, Thompson enjoyed an unforgettable cultural and professional experience in Singapore.

Thompson’s commitment to academic, service, and leadership excellence resulted in her earning repeated spots on the Dean’s List, the VSU General Fund Scholarship, and the Ty Cobb Scholarship.

Thompson plans to continue her education and pursue a Master of Public Administration. Her goal is to start a nonprofit in the near future. She is the daughter of Ashley and Amanda Thompson.

Thompson is one of three high-powered student speakers selected to deliver commencement addresses during VSU’s 229^th Commencement. The other two — Ashlie M. Prain of Valdosta, Georgia, and Jacob R. Bell of Baxley, Georgia — will speak during the virtual Graduate School Ceremony and virtual Undergraduate Ceremony, respectively. Each of these students boasts a record of academic achievement, service, leadership, and campus involvement. They are excited to have the privilege of inspiring a new class of creative, conscious, and caring Blazers ready to meet the needs of a changing global society.