More than 20,000 family and friends were in attendance as Georgia Southern University presented degrees to one of its largest-ever graduating class at Spring Commencement May 9.

Local students receiving their diplomas were: Brittany Thomas, bachelor of science in Biology majoring in Biology; Haley Lindsey, master of education majoring in Counselor Education; Geoffrey- James Daniel, bachelor of science in Kinesiology majoring in Exercise Science; Charles Gay, bachelor of business administration majoring in Finance/ Financial Services; Donovan Sharkey, bachelor of general studies majoring in General Studies; Joseph Sasser, bachelor of science in Information Technology majoring in Information Technology/ Telecommunications and Network Administration; and Stephanie Swinson, bachelor of business administration majoring in Marketing/Finance Merchandising.