STATESBORO — One of the top leaders in the state Senate and the head of the Georgia National Guard will speak at Georgia Southern University's graduation ceremonies this spring.

Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams will speak to graduate students May 11 at 1 p.m. in the university's Hanner Fieldhouse. The south Georgia Republican received his master's degree from the university.

Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth will speak at the undergraduate commencement ceremony May 12 at 9 a.m. in Paulson Stadium.