Statesboro, Georgia, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Georgia Southern University hosted its inaugural College of Behavioral and Social Sciences alumni awards luncheon in Statesboro, honoring three alumni. Rev. Dr. Charles Cravey received the first Distinguished Alumni Award among 37 nominations. Dean Ryan Schroeder emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening alumni connections and celebrating remarkable achievements. Cravey, a graduate of Georgia Southern, is an accomplished author, pastor, and humanitarian, known for his extensive literary contributions and community service through mission trips and disaster relief efforts.
Georgia Southern University Celebrates Excellence with Inaugural Alumni Awards Luncheon
Statesboro, Georgia was abuzz with excitement as Georgia Southern University hosted its inaugural College of Behavioral and Social Sciences alumni awards luncheon on Thursday. The event was filled with pride and joy as it recognized the outstanding contributions of three alumni, including the renowned area pastor and author, Rev. Dr. Charles Cravey.
Rev. Dr. Cravey, who received the first Distinguished Alumni Award, was chosen from an impressive pool of 37 nominations submitted by the college’s Advisory Board. At the age of 74, Cravey expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this recognition, viewing it as a testament to a life dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
The awards luncheon took place in the state-of-the-art Engineering and Research Building at Georgia Southern University. Dean Ryan Schroeder of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences highlighted the significance of the awards, which aim to strengthen connections between alumni and the GSU community while celebrating the remarkable achievements of its graduates.
Cravey is a proud graduate of Georgia Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology. His academic journey continued at Trinity Theological Seminary, where he obtained both a master’s degree in sacred literature and a doctoral degree in theology. Beyond his impressive academic credentials, Cravey has worn many hats; he is a pastor, writer, photographer, recording artist, songwriter, and producer.
With a rich career in journalism, Cravey has contributed to various newspapers across south Georgia, including a notable three-year stint at the Statesboro Herald. He currently serves as the interim pastor at Rosemary Baptist Church in Millen. His literary contributions are particularly remarkable, having authored 55 books that span a range of topics from devotionals to poetry. This year, he was even nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry.
Cravey’s literary works can be explored on his personal website, www.drcharlescravey.com. His vast experience in ministry is underscored by his commitment to humanitarian efforts, having completed 68 foreign mission trips and provided assistance during the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans in 2005.
Dean Ryan Schroeder noted that stories like Cravey’s exemplify the college’s commitment to humanitarianism and service. The event served not just to award achievements but also to celebrate the powerful narratives and journeys of graduates from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences that exemplify community spirit and personal growth.
This inaugural awards luncheon at Georgia Southern University was a heartfelt occasion, emphasizing honor, gratitude, and the impressive impact of dedicated alumni like Rev. Dr. Charles Cravey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the alumni awards luncheon at Georgia Southern University?
The event aimed to connect alumni with the GSU community and celebrate graduate achievements.
Who was honored as the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award?
Rev. Dr. Charles Cravey was honored with the first Distinguished Alumni Award.
How many nominations were received for the Distinguished Alumni Award?
The award received a total of 37 nominations by the college’s Advisory Board.
What has been one of Rev. Dr. Cravey’s notable achievements in his literary career?
He has published 55 books and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry this year.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Inaugural alumni awards luncheon at Georgia Southern University |
| Award Recipient | Rev. Dr. Charles Cravey – first Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Nominations | 37 nominations received by the Advisory Board |
| Location | Engineering and Research Building, Georgia Southern University |
| Degrees | Bachelor’s in sociology (Georgia Southern), Master’s in sacred literature, Doctorate in theology (Trinity Theological Seminary) |
| Books Published | 55 books on various topics |
| Humanitarian Work | 68 foreign mission trips, Hurricane Katrina relief assistance |
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Additional Resources
- Statesboro Herald
- Savannah Tribune
- Grice Connect
- Google Search: Georgia Southern University
- Wikipedia: Alumni
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