Thomas University Announces 71st Commencement Ceremonies With Commencement Speaker Acclaimed Entrepreneur and Former NFL Player Austin Bryant
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Thomas University will celebrate its 71st Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May
2, at the University’s Forbes Campus, honoring the achievements of nearly 500 graduates who have completed undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The University will hold two ceremonies. The undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the graduate commencement ceremony at 6:00 p.m. This year’s ceremonies will be the final commencements held on the Forbes Campus. As Thomas University prepares for its transition to the Woodlands campus, the ceremonies serve as both a celebration of student achievement and a meaningful farewell to a campus that has played a central role in the institution’s history. The move to the Woodlands represents the next chapter in Thomas University’s growth, expanding opportunities for students while honoring the legacy built at Forbes.
This year’s commencement speaker will be Austin Bryant, a native of Pavo, Georgia, whose journey exemplifies leadership, perseverance, and service. Bryant distinguished himself early as a standout scholar-athlete at Thomas County Central High School, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and induction into the National Honor Society. He went on to attend Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Athletic Leadership, while achieving remarkable success on the football field, including two All-American honors and two national championships.
In 2019, Bryant was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, embarking on a six-year professional football career with the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. Today, he is a real estate developer, investor, and angel investor based in Nashville, Tennessee. Through his foundation, Bryant remains deeply connected to his roots, returning annually to Thomas County Central High School to host youth sports camps focused on mentorship, character development, and community empowerment.
Now dedicated to service beyond athletics, Bryant’s message emphasizes faith, discipline, and the belief that success comes from lifting others as you rise—values that align closely with Thomas University’s mission.
Thomas University’s 71st Commencement ceremonies will recognize graduates earning associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and mark a significant milestone as they transition into professional and civic leadership roles.
For additional commencement details, visit www.thomasu.edu.
