This is the 45th year the association has bestowed alumni awards, which began with the Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award and grew to include others that honor the university’s graduates and volunteers for their achievements and loyalty. The Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award are considered the association’s top awards. Recipients of those honors included:

Debbie Deal Moody ‘82
Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award

Moody is a dedicated Columbus State business administration alumna, was a tri-captain of the Women’s Volleyball Team and a member of its Softball Team. After earning her bachelor’s in business administration, she remained actively involved with the Alumni Association and has significantly contributed to student scholarships, earning her a place in the Tower Society. Her commitment to the university and the community has been recognized with multiple awards, highlighting her extensive philanthropic efforts.

Mat Swift
Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award

Swift served as the president and COO of W.C. Bradley Co.’s Real Estate Division for over 30 years, during which the more than $1 billion in projects he oversaw made significant contributions to downtown Columbus, enhancing it as a prime location for Columbus State students to learn and live on its RiverPark Campus. Swift remains active in supporting higher education as a member of the CSU Foundation Properties Board of Directors and as a regent for the University System of Georgia.

Other award recipients included:

• Brandon Cockrell ’99, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army for Energy & Sustainability, Distinguished Alumnus in Military/Public Service

• Karen King Cook ’95, Miracle Ride Volunteer and public relations professional, Alumni Service Award

• Brandon Lindley ‘09, ’15, Executive Director of IT Client Services & Administrative Operations, CSU University Information & Technology Services, Employee Appreciation Award

• Jason McKenzie ’09, Miracle Rider and Owner, Ride on Bikes, Alumni Service Award

• Michael Sumuel ’07, American bass-baritone opera singer, Excellence in Alumni Achievement

• Sophie Wang ’16, Associate Concertmaster, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, Young Alumni Award

• Ashley Woitena ’06, VisitColumbusGA President & CEO, Excellence in Alumni Achievement

• Jasmine Reid ‘15, ’17, Chair, CSU Black Alumni Council, Alumni Service Award

The association also granted honorary CSU alumni status to Miracles Riders Cal Cole, Todd Hibbs and Steve Smith, keeping with a tradition following the Miracle Riders’ first ride benefiting Columbus State in 2021.