News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5056 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE NOVEMBER 28, 2006

John Ellington

ELLINGTON TO SPEAK AT ABAC FALL GRADUATION

TIFTON— The Honorable John Ellington, Judge for the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia, will be the fall graduation speaker for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in Gressette Gym.

Ellington, a native of Soperton, is the 66^th Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals. He was sworn in on July 12, 1999 by Governor Roy Barnes.

An ABAC alumnus, he served as President of the Student Government Association and received the George P. Donaldson award before graduating in 1980 with degrees in business and political science.

Ellington attended the University of Georgia, where he received his B.B.A. in accounting in 1982. He graduated from the UGA Law School with a J.D. in 1985. He was admitted to the Georgia Bar that same year.

Ellington served as State Court Judge of Treutlen County for over six years; served as Superior Court Judge in 29 counties throughout Georgia; and served as Municipal Court Judge in six towns in Georgia.

He was named the Outstanding Young Alumnus at ABAC in 1994. He is a member of the President’s Club and serves on the ABAC Foundation. His contributions to the community include serving as past president of the Vidalia Rotary Club, past president of the Soperton Lions Club, and former president of the Treutlen County Sportsmans Club.

In 2000, he was named to Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40”, recognizing 40 leaders throughout Georgia under 40 who have made significant contributions to the state. In 2001, he was awarded the Distinguished Judicial Service Award by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar.

ABAC President David C. Bridges will open the graduation ceremony. Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Caroline Helms will present the degrees.

ABAC Alumni Association President David Carlson, will induct the graduates into the Alumni Association and assist in the presentation of the coveted Donaldson award. The award, named for ABAC’s president from 1947-61, goes to the top ABAC graduate of the approximately 165 who are expected to participate in the ceremony.

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