Dr. Don Butts will address Gordon State College graduates, family and friends during the graduation ceremony planned for Friday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. in the Student Activity and Recreation Center on campus.

Approximately 300 students are expected to receive degrees, but not all are participating in the ceremony.

Butts, who retired in May 2017, began teaching at what was then Gordon Junior College in 1979. Butts earned his undergraduate degree in History from Davidson College and later a Master's Degree and Ph.D. in History from Duke University.

Grads are allowed to decorate their mortarboards tastefully, but no balloons, air horns, or similar party material will be allowed in the ceremony area.

After the graduation ceremony, brunch will be available in the dining area of the SARC for $9.95 per person.

A pinning ceremony for graduates of the Nursing School is at 12 in the SARC Arena.

Each participating graduate has been issued tickets to distribute to family and friends. Tickets must be shown to gain entrance to the SARC Arena.