Speakers to take the stage with stories of purpose, transformation 

Augusta University will soon hold its May Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies and Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, where three student speakers will take the stage to mark the end of this chapter and share words their classmates will carry long after graduation. 

Mahogany Davis will serve as the student speaker for the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony, which will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. 

There will be two Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies, with Emmanuel Faminu serving as the student speaker for the 10 a.m. ceremony on Friday, May 8. This ceremony will celebrate students graduating from the College of Science and Mathematics, Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. 

Following the morning’s event, Alex Gonzalo will serve as the student speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony. This ceremony will celebrate students graduating from the College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, College of Nursing, Dental College of Georgia (dental hygiene students) and James M. Hull College of Business. 

Mahogany Davis, Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony 

The graduate-level commencement ceremony will spotlight Davis, who is earning a master’s degree in counselor education after completing her undergraduate degree in psychology at Augusta University, making her a double Jag.   

“To be a double Jag means dedication and consistency, but also truly understanding the community at AU,” Davis said. “I’ve been here long enough to build meaningful connections, and there’s a sense of community that you just can’t see from the outside. I’m glad I stayed because I don’t think I would have come this far without it.”  

During her time at AU, she stepped out of her shell and became deeply involved in campus life, serving as the marketing graduate assistant for the Jaguar Production Crew, president of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.  

Through hands-on mentorship from Susan Davies, PhD, interim executive vice president of strategic effectiveness and chief of staff, and Simone Hicks, EdD, associate dean of students, Davis found her path in student affairs and helped shape the student experience through major campus events. Alicia Becton, PhD, department chair and associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development, also played a key role in her growth, particularly through moments that challenged her to reflect on her identity beyond her roles on campus. That self-awareness, Davis said, has shaped how she approaches both her personal life and future career in counseling. 

“When others first come in, looking at AU from afar, it seems like just another university, but I’ve been here so long that I’ve made so many connections,” Davis said. “There’s a different type of community here that most people wouldn’t understand. I’m so glad that I stayed at AU because I don’t think I would have made it as far as I have if I didn’t.” 

Davis was named the most outstanding clinical mental health student in the counseling program, selected as first runner-up for Miss Augusta University and nominated for a Community Engagement Graduate Student Award. 

On commencement day, her message will focus on overcoming imposter syndrome and encouraging graduates to trust in their abilities and recognize that they are prepared for what comes next. 

“No matter what, you were equipped, you were taught and you understand the knowledge that you’re going with,” Davis said. “Don’t shrink yourselves because you feel that’s going to make other people happy and comfortable. Continue to grow, expand and be great in your career field of choice.” 

After graduation, Davis will attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to pursue a doctorate in counselor education and supervision as she continues toward becoming a licensed counselor and educator. 

Emmanuel Faminu, Undergraduate Commencement Speaker (10 a.m.) 

Faminu, originally from Nigeria but now based in Loganville, Georgia, is earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Initially drawn to the medical field, he ultimately chose computer science, leaning into his long-standing interest in technology. Over time, his passions in photography, videography and design moved to the forefront, influencing his focus on creative and user-centered applications of technology.  

Through his academic journey, he has built strong communication and teamwork skills while gaining hands-on experience through internships with the City of Augusta and the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University. He was also active across campus, serving as president of The Brotherhood Program and social media coordinator for the Young Entrepreneurs Organization, while staying involved in several student and faith-based communities. 

Mentorship played a major role in his experience, with many faculty and staff supporting his growth, including Shareen Clement, EdD, director of Mentorship and Student Engagement, who lent him his first camera. Through these relationships, he developed a mindset that failure is not something to shy away from, but something to embrace, as it brings new perspective and growth. 

“AU has given me the opportunity to overcome obstacles and figure out how to unlock parts of myself I can use across different fields,” Faminu said. “It’s helped me learn how to communicate ideas and work with others in a meaningful way.” 

One of the most defining moments of his undergraduate journey came when he realized he would not graduate on his original timeline, extending his time at AU to nearly six years. What initially brought feelings of disappointment and frustration, especially coming from a strong academic background, became a turning point in how he viewed growth and success. 

“I couldn’t change what had happened, but I could move forward,” Faminu said. “That moment gave me a real sense of what it means to struggle and grow.” 

As he prepares to take the stage, his message to fellow graduates is simple but grounded in his own experience: you already have everything you need to succeed. Rather than offering a list of lessons, he wants to remind his classmates that the resources, connections and support systems are already in place – it’s about choosing to use them. 

“You already have everything you need, but it takes believing that and being willing to try,” Faminu said. “That’s what allows you to move forward.” 

Alex Gonzalo, Undergraduate Commencement Speaker (2 p.m.) 

Gonzalo, a native of Augusta, Georgia, is earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in digital marketing from Hull College. Drawn to the field by his ambition and desire to one day work for himself, he saw the degree as a foundation to one day building his own business. 

Gonzalo has been actively involved as a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and the Hull College of Business Sales Club, while also serving as the director of marketing intern for The Gains Group at Keller Williams Realty. 

He credits Augusta University with helping him grow both professionally and personally, providing an environment that strengthened his leadership skills and confidence. Through campus involvement, philanthropy and building relationships, Gonzalo gained a clearer understanding of his goals and the direction he wants to take in his career. 

“Augusta University has quite literally changed my life,” Gonzalo said. “It gave me the environment I needed to grow into a professional and become a stronger leader. I’ve always considered myself outgoing, but getting involved in different areas on campus gave me the tools and confidence to be successful.” 

The memories that stand out most are the friendships and connections built along the way. While Augusta University might seem like a large campus, the relationships formed here can have a lasting impact well beyond graduation. Gonzalo also takes pride in the events he helped host, bringing energy, building school spirit and creating moments that brought people together. 

Looking back, those experiences were deeply shaped by the sense of community he found, especially through his involvement in Delta Chi Fraternity. His fraternity brothers always provided support, encouragement and a push forward.  

“My brothers created a sense of brotherhood that made a lasting impact on my college experience,” Gonzalo said. “Without them, I honestly don’t know who I would be today, and I know the men who come after us will continue that same legacy of excellence and brotherhood.” 

When Gonzalo takes the stage, his message to fellow graduates will center on possibility and believing in oneself. He hopes to reflect on their shared experiences, encouraging his classmates to recognize their potential and commit to pursuing their goals with confidence. 

“My time at Augusta University has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Gonzalo said. “The memories I’ve made and the connections I’ve built are things I’ll always cherish. I’m forever grateful for the people and experiences that helped shape me into a more ambitious and confident person.”