
GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT
Due to COVID-19, all Spring 2020 ceremonies will be held virtually. Details are available below.
What a year! You’ve made it!
It is with great pride that we salute you, our new leaders in the areas of policy, public and nonprofit management, economics, criminal justice and criminology, social work and urban studies. You stand among the nearly 550 Andrew Young School students who have graduated this academic year. We commend each and every one of you for meeting significant benchmarks during your time with us. In these extraordinary times, we miss the chance to congratulate you in person, and I look forward to when we are able to do just that.
Our school’s namesake, Ambassador Andrew Young, has said, “Almost every change in the world starts with an idea and a vision.” We expect that you, armed with your ideas, experiences and vision, will soon make a significant impact on the world. There has never been a time when we needed you more.
We invite you to enjoy the video messages, printable commencement brochure and other important links on this page. They’re all about you. And do stay in touch. We look forward to celebrating your future successes with you and with our Andrew Young School family.
Sincerely,
Sally Wallace
Dean

Commencement Addresses
Spring 2020 Commencement Speaker
Yterenickia “YT” Bell
B.S. ’11, M.S.W. ’14, M.P.A. ’16
Yterenickia S. Bell has been an advocate in her community for many years. A Georgia native, Bell is a three-time graduate of Georgia State University and holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration. Her passion to help vulnerable populations led to her career in urban planning, community organizing, social work, public policy and outreach.
A champion for the people, Bell is serving her third year as a City of Clarkston Council member, diligently working to create an inclusive city that provides opportunities and eliminates challenges to improve the quality of life for all residents of Clarkston, GA.
Recently, she was selected for Georgia State University’s 40 under 40 Class of 2019 and its #MakeYourMark campaign partnership with MARTA, designed to inspire by highlighting alumni prevailing in their field.
Ambassador Andrew Young
Former Ambassador to the United Nations
CEO, Andrew J. Young Foundation
In the decades since Andrew Young helped change the course of history as a leader in the Civil Rights movement, he has built a remarkable legacy as a civic activist, elected official, groundbreaking ambassador, social entrepreneur, and adviser to presidents. Today, he leads the Andrew J. Young Foundation’s efforts to develop and support new generations of visionary leaders who will create sustainable global approaches to economic development, poverty alleviation, and the challenge of hunger.
An ordained minister with the United Church of Christ for over six decades, he continues to preach and considers the work of the Andrew J. Young Foundation an extension of his ministry and of the Civil Rights movement itself.
Young is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion d’Honneur and has received honorary degrees from more than 100 colleges and universities.
Commencement Program
Spring 2020 Graduate Commencement Program 447.79 KB 87 downloads
The souvenir program for the Andrew Young School's Graduate Commencement for the...Next Steps After Graduation...
Starting Your Career
The Andrew Young School’s Office of Career Services & Alumni Relations has developed resources to help you advance your career and stay engaged as an AYS alum in the years to come.
Engaging With Fellow Alumni
The Georgia State University Alumni Association provides plenty of opportunities for you to engage with your fellow Panther alumni. Make sure you’ve updated your information after graduation, so we can keep in touch!
