Graduation student speaker: Axel Hawkins, history and political science

Graduation student speaker: Axel Hawkins, history and political science

Axel Hawkins made a deep and lasting impression on Georgia College & State University through her role as president of the Student Government Association, as an intern for the City of Atlanta and working in the Washington, D.C., office of Sen. Raphael Warnock.

A first-generation college student who hails from McDonough, Georgia, Hawkins is also GCSU's second Truman Scholar.

While she had several high-profile internships as an undergraduate, her on-campus experiences stand as her favorite memories.

"The annual Hanging of the Greens has been a privilege. Helping set up the decorations, speaking in the ceremony with President Cox, fellow SGA leaders and a number of other students, and helping bring the holiday spirit to our wonderful community on campus was always both heartwarming and rewarding," Hawkins said. "I also loved being able to visit the sorority and fraternity holiday house tours with my sisters in Delta Gamma after the ceremony was over."

In her commencement address, Hawkins hopes to bring a message of unity.

"The world right now can seem chaotic and full of division but, as GCSU graduates, we had the privilege of being a part of an incredible, tight-knit community and receiving a well-rounded education in the liberal arts," Hawkins said. "Even if you don't recognize it yet, all of us are equipped to lead with reason and respect, and we have a responsibility to put these skills to use."