Philanthropist Harvey N. Gainey to Speak at Commencement on May 9

April 23 - Georgia native and philanthropist Harvey N. Gainey will be the featured speaker at Shorter College’s spring 2009 commencement ceremony. Commencement is planned for May 9 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. inside the Winthrop-King Center on the college’s Rome campus.

Gainey has achieved noteworthy success i n the transportation industry as founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the Gainey Corporation. Founded in 1984, The Grand Rapids, Mich., transportation company grew to employ more than 3,200 individuals and was labeled as Michigan’s fastest growing freight company for three consecutive years. Along with the growth of the Gainey Corporation, Gainey has maintained a commitment to the belief that “in charity there is no excess.” The corporation, under his leadership, maintains a strong commitment to supporting charities that help children, as well as Christian organizations and community events. The corporation donates more than $1 million to various organizations annually, including the YMCA, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, several Christian schools and colleges, and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project

In 1997, Gainey was named the Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year, and was named the 2007 Business Person of the Year by the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. He serves as a board member for several organizations, including the Grand Rapids Metropolitan YMCA and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Gainey and his wife, Annie Ereveene, have turned their private property in Glen, Mont., into a youth and young adult camp to impact young lives for the Kingdom of God. They have created a 6,000-plus acre ranch that is visited by hundreds of individuals each year. The objective of the Two Moose Camp Gainey Ranch is for youth and young adults to be trained and equipped in the areas of leadership for all aspects of the academic and athletic life. Shorter’s 10 a.m. commencement ceremony will include students receiving the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts degrees.

Diplomas for those receiving the Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Management degrees will be presented during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

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