Freedom, Gus, Keel bring Georgia Southern to the Capitol

Workers at the Georgia State Capitol watch a live demonstration from members of Georgia Southern University's FabLab Tuesday. This was part of Georgia Southern's "Day at the Capitol," during which university representatives met with Gov. Nathan Deal and state lawmakers under the Gold Dome in Atlanta. - photo by Special

GSU Capitol — Workers at the Georgia State Capitol watch a live demonstration from members of Georgia Southern University's FabLab Tuesday. This was part of Georgia Southern's "Day at the Capitol," during which university representatives met with Gov. Nathan Deal and state lawmakers under the Gold Dome in Atlanta. - photo by Special

Georgia Southern University hosted its second annual "Day at the Capitol" event on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Representatives from the university's academic, research and athletics divisions, as well as student organizations were on hand to speak to state lawmakers and showcase the many programs, initiatives and achievements happening at Georgia Southern.

The day included appearances by the bald eagle Freedom, mascot Gus and a jazz trio. The university also provided updates on its Military Science programs, its groundbreaking concussion research, FabLab construction, STEM activities and the new Manufacturing Engineering program in the College of Engineering and Information Technology.

Georgia Southern Athletics was represented, and the football team's Sun Belt Championship trophy was on display. Breakfast was provided by Eagle Dining Services.

University President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., along with Provost Jean Bartels, Ph.D., and other university representatives were invited to the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate sessions, as they presented Georgia Southern with invite resolutions for the "Day at the Capitol" event.

After spending time with many of the attendees, Gov. Nathan Deal commended Georgia Southern on its continued achievements both on the field and in the classroom.

"With a century-old record of academic and athletics achievement, Georgia Southern University is a model for success in our university system," Deal said. "The school has launched the careers of countless young professionals, including several members of my own staff, and athletes who so greatly represent Georgia across the country and around the world. I'm confident that there are only greater things to come from Georgia Southern in the future."

While visiting with students and other representatives from Georgia Southern, state Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, said: "Georgia Southern continues to play a critical role in the success of the state of Georgia. This university is preparing our students to be future leaders and valuable members of the Georgia workforce."

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