Georgia's First Lady To Speak At GGC Commencement

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Georgia’s first lady, Sandra Deal, will be the keynote speaker for Georgia Gwinnett College’s summer commencement ceremony.

About 150 students are expected to receive bachelor’s degrees at the ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m., August 2, at the Infinite Energy Center arena in Duluth.

The daughter of educators, Deal has made childhood education the center of her professional and public life.

She spent more than 15 years as a public school teacher, retiring as a sixth-grade teacher in Hall County.

As first lady, Deal has focused on promoting literacy. As part of her "Read Across Georgia" tour, Deal has visited and read to students in all 159 Georgia counties and 181 school districts.

She has visited more than 630 schools in Georgia, encouraging a love of reading among students.

As first lady, Deal also launched "With a Servant's Heart" in 2011. What began as a statewide day of service would grow into an organization promoting regular participation in community service programs and volunteer events across Georgia.

She serves as chairwoman of the Georgia Children's Cabinet, which coordinates policies and resources to improve outcomes for at-risk children and families.

She is co-author of "Memories of the Mansion," an illustrated book focusing on the stories and experiences of Georgia's first families.

Deal grew up in Gainesville and graduate from Georgia College & State University, where she is a member of the board of trustees.

The Deals have been married for 49 years and have four children and six grandchildren.

(Photo courtesy Georgia Gwinnett College)