De’Ondre Harris selected as senior speaker for Grady College Convocation; Kate Hall to deliver UGA Commencement remarks

De’Ondre Harris, a graduating journalism major from Atlanta, Georgia, has been named senior speaker for the Spring 2025 Grady College Convocation. Grady Convocation ceremonies will be held at the Athens Classic Center on Wednesday, May 7, at 2 p.m.

Kate Hall, a public relations major, was selected to be the student speaker at UGA Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Sanford Stadium.

Harris will deliver his remarks in a talk entitled, “From Every Path to One Place: The Grady Story That Made Us,” addressing the different journeys, but similar outcomes, graduates faced. He was selected based on video submissions that graduating seniors submitted for consideration.

Harris began his studies at Georgia Southern University before transferring to what he calls his dream school, the University of Georgia.

Harris, who is also earning a minor in communication studies and is pursuing a master’s degree in public relations through the Double Dawgs program, talked about what it means to be selected as the senior speaker. “It is the highest honor of my Grady journey to speak to—and give back to—the peers and faculty who poured so much into me,” Harris said. “Without their support, encouragement and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Standing before them now, as we each prepare to take our own exciting paths forward, is incredibly humbling. For that, and for everything, I say thank you.”

At UGA, Harris was a Grady Ambassador and was a student bus driver for UGA Transit. Known for his drive, both literal and academic, he made it a mission to uplift fellow students, especially transfers, by championing the importance of seizing every resource and opportunity college life has to offer.

Hall has been selected as the student speaker at the UGA Commencement ceremonies, an honor identified by a Student Government Association committee based on applications. She is graduating magna cume laude and plans to pursue a career in public affairs communications. She interned at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and was a member of the Dean William Tate Honor Society, the Student Government Association and Public Relations Student Society of America, among other things.

A live stream and subsequent recording of the Grady College convocation will be available to view on the UGA Grady YouTube account.

Graduates and their families are invited to a Graduation celebration at Grady College May 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Author: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu