The University of Georgia fall commencement addresses will be delivered by Christopher C. Womack for undergraduates and by Alan Darvill for graduate students.
Womack is the chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power. Darvill is the director emeritus of the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center here at the University of Georgia.
Womack began his career as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill for former Congressman Leon E. Panetta before joining Southern Company, the parent company to Georgia power, in 1988. He served as executive vice president and president of external affairs before being named chairman, president, and CEO in 2021. Womack received his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and master’s degree in public administration from the American University.
Darvill is a recognized researcher for his work on glycosicence, plant biology, and physiology. He co-founded the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center in 1985. Since 2008, he has served on the board of directors of the University of Georgia research foundation. After retiring, he has still contributed research to the university. He received a bachelor’s degree in plant biology from Wolverhampton University in England and a doctorate in plant physiology from Aberystwyth University in Wales.
Michael Banks, a double major from the Jere W. Morehead Honors College, will serve as the undergraduate ceremony’s student speaker. The undergraduate ceremony will be on Dec. 16 at 9:30 am in Stegman Coliseum. The graduate ceremony will follow at 2:30.