KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 6, 2021

The name Southern Polytechnic State University invokes a special type of pride from those who bleed green and gold. It’s a feeling many SPSU alumni felt this week when the Kennesaw State University Alumni Association launched the official Southern Polytechnic State University Alumni Society (SPSUAS).

The two universities merged in 2015 under the banner of Kennesaw State, inviting thousands of SPSU alumni to the Owls' nest, many of whom felt the move would mean the loss of connection to and the identity of their beloved alma mater.

“When the merger happened, I was shocked,” said Southern Polytechnic alumnus Eddie Cengic, “But since then, the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics departments have grown in size and reputation. The KSU brand and exposure have given all SPSU graduates an edge.”

In the six years since SPSU and Kennesaw State joined forces, KSU has become one of the largest higher education institutions in Georgia. Now home to nearly 43,000 students, a leader in STEAM fields, and a flagship institution for experiential learning, the SPSU legacy lives on within the foundation of KSU, inspiring generations of students to come. 

“Now is the time to move forward, together, as a family,” said SPSUAS President Ericka Davis. “The rich legacy of SPSU is now at KSU. There are students who need our expertise and rich experiences to draw from and build on.”

Davis, the inaugural president of the SPSUAS, graduated from SPSU in 1997 and is chief communications officer to three state agencies. She credits much of her success to SPSU and the exceptional faculty who helped her realize her potential.

“I owe my career to SPSU, and specifically the faculty who helped me discover my passion for technical communications,” she said. “When KSU leadership came to me about the idea of creating an SPSU alumni society, I knew that it was an important step in engaging our alumni.”

Davis, along with SPSUAS leadership Bill Leggett and Tiane Hamler, has been working with Kennesaw State executives for the past year to launch the SPSUAS to invite and welcome SPSU alumni under the fold of the KSU Alumni Association.

During the first year of the SPSUAS, alumni can expect to see exclusive invitations to SPSUAS tailgates, networking events, and opportunities for engagement with KSU students through the Southern Polytechnic State University Alumni Scholarship.

For those SPSU alumni who still feel unsure, Davis shares an important message.

“It’s time for the Hornets to stir the nest. To give back and build our legacy scholarship, because to whom much is given, much is required,” she said. “We hope that you will join us on this amazing journey. Now is the time. We are always and forever hornets, ascending as owls.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.