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AMERICUS, Ga. (Nov. 25, 2025) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has announced its outstanding alumni recognized for their professional and personal achievements as well as their contributions to the University. All recipients will be honored during the fourth annual Gold Force Gala on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the new Griffin Bell Conference Center.
The 2026 Alumni Awardees are:
"We are truly honored to celebrate these exceptional alumni," said Angela Smith, alumni engagement specialist. "Their professional achievements and commitment to service continue to inspire. Each one is a shining example of the GSW spirit, and we look forward to honoring them at our upcoming gala with the GSW family, friends, and supporters."
Chris Hosey '87Chris Hosey has dedicated 38 years to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), exemplifying unwavering work ethic and integrity. Appointed by Governor Brian Kemp, he has served as GBI director for the past two years, leading Georgia's premier law enforcement investigative agency. Starting in 1987 as a narcotics agent, Hosey rose through every sworn supervisory rank in the Investigative Division. Today, he oversees more than 975 employees and manages a $162.5 million budget.
A Georgia Southwestern alumnus from Newnan, Hosey was inspired to join the GBI after meeting agents at a campus job fair. He is one of only 50 state investigative directors nationwide, serving as vice president of NASDEA and chair of ASCIA's Use of Force Committee. Despite his distinguished title, Hosey remains grounded in the values instilled by his Coweta County upbringing: helping others and doing the right thing. He credits his wife, Powell, and daughters, Mary Beth and Julianne, for their support. The family resides in Thomaston.
The Aeolian Award is given to an alumnus/alumna who has distinguished his/herself in their profession as well as in their community. This award is chosen based on outstanding lifetime achievement as a distinguished alumni and community leader.
Gay '96 and Bill SheppardGay and Bill Sheppard are proponents of activity and service in the Americus community, whether at their church, Boy Scout Troop 21, the Americus Kiwanis Club or attending a GSW sporting event. Bill is a retired partner from Chambliss, Sheppard, Roland and Associates, LLP, and Gay is retired from the University of Georgia Extension Service.
The Sheppards recognize the value of higher education through support of the Griffin Bell Conference Center, scholarships and GSW Athletics. They care deeply for the Americus community and have helped it thrive through service, mentorship and encouragement of young families.
Both natives of Southwest Georgia, the Sheppards are graduates of Georgia Southern University, and Gay earned a Master of Science in Administration from GSW. They are members of First Baptist Church Americus and have three adult sons – Chan in Nashville, Tennessee; Tal in Huntsville, Alabama.; and Cullen in Lexington, Kentucky – and seven grandchildren.
The Canes Community Champion Award recognizes dedicated servants of the community who show a fervent record of collaboration with and advocacy for GSW.
Royce Hackett '01, '04Royce Hackett has been a cornerstone of integrating the technological landscape at Georgia Southwestern since joining the Information and Instructional Technology team in 1997. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the University’s digital infrastructure and was appointed chief information officer in April 2007, overseeing the integration of technology across both academic and administrative domains. Hackett is a Double Cane, holding a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science from GSW. His academic foundation and deep institutional knowledge uniquely position him to lead the University’s tech initiatives with insight and precision.
Respected for his reliability, servant leadership and dry sense of humor, Hackett is deeply committed to supporting the faculty, staff and students who rely on GSW’s technology systems. Beyond his CIO duties, he has served on the GSW Alumni Association Board since July 2016 and currently acts as vice chair of its Board of Directors. His campus involvement extends further, including service on the Advisory Council for the College of Business and Computing among other roles that reflect his dedication to the University community.
The Leewynn J. Finklea Award, named in honor of the university's first alumni director, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to campus life, the Alumni Association or the University.
Harry Kitchen '75Since founding The Foxfield Company in 1989 with his wife Charlotte, Harry Kitchen has demonstrated exceptional foresight in commercial real estate. Over 36 years, the Kitchens have led developments totaling nearly $460 million. Their award-winning Covington Town Center project, transformed from rocky terrain into a thriving mixed-use hub anchored by Publix, exemplifies Kitchen’s ability to unlock potential where others see obstacles. His success is rooted in his ability to collaborate with counties, municipalities and state and federal agencies. His daily engagement with government entities has earned him strong relationships with key leaders across Georgia and the real estate industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kitchen remains deeply connected to his alma mater. He supports athletics through the Hail Storm fundraiser and is a generous donor to initiatives like the Educational Leadership Fund and the Griffin Bell Conference Center. As a former GSW tennis player and current member of the "Rising Together, Shaping Futures" campaign steering committee, Kitchen champions the University with the same passion he brings to his career.
The Visionary Award is given to an alumnus/alumna who is an entrepreneur or innovator with the commitment to turn a vision into reality, the courage to assume risk, and the ability to make changes and take advantage of new opportunities.
Jonathan Hobbs '17Jonathan Hobbs, D.Sc., has served Georgia Southwestern for over 13 years, evolving from a student worker in IIT to assistant professor of information technology. As a faculty member recognized for his research work on cybersecurity awareness in higher education, he played a pivotal role in updating curriculum to meet ABET accreditation standards, which the Computer Science program achieved in 2024. Now serving as program director for the MSCS program, he has helped nearly triple its enrollment. Nationally, he volunteers his technical talents for the ABR Conference in New Orleans, and internationally, he teaches in partnership with Zhoukou Normal University.
Beyond the classroom, Hobbs is a proud GSW alumnus and bleeds blue and gold. He serves on the board of the GSW Alumni Association and is a campus and community leader, assisting with events, cheering on the Canes, supporting study abroad and championing student success through internships and career connections.
Young Alumni of the Year is given to an emerging leader making waves in his/her field as a positive role model and positive reflection on the University. The recipient must have attended GSW within the past 15 years. Distinction in one’s career and/or community and service to GSW are also considered.
The Tondee FamilyGeorgia Southwestern proudly celebrates the enduring legacy of the Tondee family, whose deep roots in education and unwavering support for GSW have made a lasting impact across generations.
With numerous GSW graduates in the immediate and extended family - many of whom met their spouses while attending the University - the Tondees exemplify the spirit of Hurricane pride. Rusty Tondee ’84 and Traci (Lawhorn) Tondee ’95, both education majors, dedicated decades to their fields and made a positive impact on thousands of lives they touched. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, having shaped the lives of countless students.
Rusty’s career in education spans more than four decades. In 2000, he became the first athletic director and head football coach at Schley County High School, later serving as the school’s first head baseball coach. His leadership and mentorship have touched four area schools, including Americus High School, Southland Academy, Tri-County and Schley County. Today, Rusty continues to support GSW as the beloved voice of Hurricane basketball.
Numerous members of extended family also attended GSW including Rusty’s nephew Christopher Tondee '14 and his wife Katherine (Dieckmann) Tondee '14, and Rusty’s niece Shelley (Tondee) Roderick '10 and her husband Ric Roderick '10.
The Family Legacy Award recognizes one family with a tradition of attending GSW through multiple generations with continued interest in and support of the University. Outstanding service to GSW, the Alumni Association, their communities and their professions are also considered.
Hayley (Tierce) Stripling '19Hayley (Tierce) Stripling left an indelible mark on GSW softball during her career from 2016–2019, establishing herself as one of the most decorated student-athletes in program history. A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, and a standout at Houston County High School, Stripling arrived at GSW as a third baseman before transitioning to shortstop, where she became a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ defense and a force at the plate.
In addition to her numerous Peach Belt Conference accolades, she rewrote the GSW record books holding the program record for the longest NCAA-era hitting streak (19 games), is tied for the most single-game runs (4) and set single-game records for doubles (3), walks (4), and intentional walks (3). She also hit five multi-homer games and holds the all-time NCAA-era records for RBIs (180), doubles (44), total bases (410), and career starts (213), while being tied for the most career home runs (54).
Stripling's legacy as a trailblazer, record-setter, and leader on and off the field firmly secures her place among the greatest student-athletes in GSW history and as this year's inductee into the GSW Athletics Hall of Fame.
The Gold Force Gala will be held on Saturday, January 31 with a cocktail social and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. and plated dinner at 7 p.m. with award and live music to follow. Sponsorships are available at several levels and seating is limited. Tables are $1,500 and a small number of individual tickets for open seating are available at $125 per person. Purchase online at gsw.edu/GoldForceGala. Reservations are required by January 5.