Commencement Speaker

We are excited to announce that the Honorable Verda M. Colvin ’87, Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, will address the Class of 2023 at the College’s 114th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13.

“I am thrilled that Justice Colvin will speak to the Class of 2023,” said President Woo, “Verda’s achievements are a marvelous example of how Sweet Briar women serve as leaders who make our world a better place for all.”

Born and raised in Atlanta, Justice Colvin double-majored in government and religion at Sweet Briar while holding a variety of leadership positions, including as a resident advisor and a member of several student organizations. She then earned her juris doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law.

With a career that started in a civil rights law firm, Justice Colvin went on to become the first African-American female appointed by a Republican governor to Georgia’s Court of Appeals in 2020, and then to Georgia’s Supreme Court in 2021. Previously, she served nearly six years as a Superior Court Judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit.

A member of numerous organizations and boards, including Sweet Briar College’s Board of Directors, Justice Colvin said, “I am personally committed to public service beyond my duties as a jurist, so I welcome the opportunity to engage with constituents to encourage, inspire and motivate.”

To read President’s Woo’s 2023 Commencement Speaker Announcement in full, please CLICK HERE.