Christopher Allen Edwards, son of James and Donna Edwards and Katharine Eve Wright, daughter of Thomas and Carol Wright, were two of nearly 300 students addressed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as the keynote speaker May 5, 2007 as Berry College celebrated the graduation of its students at spring commencement.

In his remarks, Gov. Perdue lauded the quality of Berry's educational experience, stating, "Berry students are some of the best in the nation. Academically, you're top notch. But you also benefit from a well-rounded education. You've learned not to just use your head, but your heart and your hands."

Joining Gov. Perdue on the program was Jeanne Cahill, a non-traditional student who earned her first credit at Berry in 1949. Fifty-eight years, three children, almost five decades of marriage, one successful business and two retirements later, the 74-year-old resident of Rome, Georgia, completed the requirements for a degree in English.

"Life is full of surprises," she told her fellow graduates, "and you will experience many unexpected turns and opportunities as you venture out. Be ready to embrace the unexpected when it comes, as it surely will, because it might be a better plan than the one you have at this moment."

Berry College is an independent, coeducational college of approximately 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that is ranked among the best institutions of its type in the Southeast. Located on a magnificent campus encompassing more than 26,000 acres near Rome, Ga., Berry provides an integrated education that unites a challenging academic program with opportunities for meaningful work experience, spiritual and moral growth, and significant service to others.

Chris received a Bachelor of Arts in government with a minor in business administration. Katharine received a Bachelor of Arts in art with a minor in journalism.