East Georgia State College (EGSC) held its Spring Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony was held in the gymnasium on the EGSC Swainsboro campus. Family and friends and community members attended the ceremony honoring the over 130 students graduating. During the ceremony the Rising Star Alumni Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were recognized.
Mary Grace Winfrey, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree, presented the Reflection for the ceremony. Winfrey is the 20-year-old daughter of Craig and Amanda Winfrey of Kite, Georgia. In May 2022, she graduated from EGSC with an associate degree in general studies. Two weeks later, she graduated a year early as the Johnson County High School class of 2022 Salutatorian. She continued her education at EGSC, earning a second associate degree in social sciences in May 2023. She then joined the inaugural cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, from which she is graduating this May with a concentration in social justice. In August, Winfrey will be attending Mercer University School of Law as a George W. Woodruff Scholar.\
Following the Reflection, Lisa Bertoch and Matt Donaldson from the EGSC Alumni Association Board were called to the stage to present the alumni awards. The first award presented was the Rising Star Award which celebrates the achievements of alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years and who have notable recognition in their chosen field with a promise of continued success.
The recipient for this year’s Rising Star Award was Jameson “Blaine” Salter. Salter’s journey is one of dedication, service, and excellence. Raised by a loving mother and grandparents, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to serving others—values that have guided him every step of the way. He began his academic career at EGSC, earning his associate degree in Political Science in 2019. He went on to graduate from Georgia Southern University and recently received a master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management from Georgia College & State University.
Salter has served in civic organizations, supported public office campaigns, and remains an active member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church, where he welcomes others with warmth and sincerity. Professionally, he shines as a specialist at Perigold, a luxury brand under Wayfair, where his excellence has earned him two prestigious Amethyst Awards. Salter’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. His leadership, humility, and drive make him not only a rising star—but a beacon of inspiration for us all.
The next award presented was the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is presented each year to someone who has excelled in their chosen field and has had a positive effect on the local, regional, state, or national level.
Matt Jones received the Distinguished Alumni Award this year. He currently serves as Chief of Staff at the Georgia Department of Education, where he helps lead a multi-billion-dollar agency that touches the lives of every K-12 student in our state. His leadership ensures that schools across Georgia, especially in rural communities, receive the support they need to thrive.
Before he was shaping statewide policy, Jones was shaping young minds as a teacher in Toombs County, where he was named District Teacher of the Year. That classroom experience continues to guide his work today, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges educators face and the opportunities they deserve.
Jones is a trusted voice under the Gold Dome, where lawmakers regularly seek his insight on education policy. His advocacy for teachers and students has made him a respected leader not just in Atlanta, but across the state. He is a proud product of rural Georgia, of East Georgia State College, and of the values that define both. His journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Each alumni award recipient was presented their award on stage and recognized for their achievements.
Ali Mims, fire chief for the city of Swainsboro, delivered the commencement address following the awards presentation. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, but moved to Sylvania, Georgia, in 1988. In pursuit of a career, Mims began volunteering with a local fire department in South Georgia in 2001. He then relocated to Augusta, Georgia, where he began his career as a firefighter. Mims was hired full-time with the Augusta Fire Department in 2007. He currently has nearly two decades of fire service experience.
Mims is a health and safety program manager and uses this to help agencies become more aware of ways to prevent their employees from getting injured and becoming more fit for duty. He’s a certified CPR instructor for The America Heart Association and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the State of Georgia. He is finishing his master’s degree in homeland security later this year.
Mims currently is the fire chief for the city of Swainsboro and has been with the department for eight months. He is an assistant coach for the Savannah Hurricanes, a pro basketball team located in Savannah, Georgia, and has his own mentoring business.
After the commencement address, Dr. Catherine Whelan, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, presented the degrees followed by President David Schecter who conferred the degrees. A full list of graduates will be available soon.
EGSC would like to thank everyone who attended the exciting event honoring the Class of 2025!
