A new symbol of Eagle spirit stands at the entrance of after �����Ƶ unveiled “Freedom to Soar,” a life-size bronze statue honoring Freedom, the University’s beloved bald eagle mascot who passed away in March 2025. 

The sculpture has a wingspan of approximately eight feet and weighs 385 pounds. It sits atop a custom cast and polished concrete pedestal that weighs 6,000 pounds. The inspiration for the final look is one that Eagles football fans will find familiar.

“The plinth is designed to reflect Freedom flying over the stadium,” said Jason McCoy, studio technician in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art. “It has the terracing of the seating inside the stadium, and Freedom is flying at an angle and soaring down to the field. So, it’s designed to mirror the stadium and Freedom’s Flight over the stadium.”

For more than two decades, Freedom was more than a symbol on game days. He embodied strength, pride and the True Blue spirit of Eagle Nation. His story inspired thousands of alumni, students, faculty, staff and fans, and his presence at community and University events uplifted generations of Eagles. As an ambassador for Georgia Southern, wildlife and as a symbol of our nation, Freedom inspired thousands annually at , the in Savannah, , community events and other appearances across the State of Georgia and .

“There’s this continuation of Freedom’s legacy that is connected and ingrained into the Georgia Southern community,” said Jeff Garland, associate dean of faculty affairs and research. “That’s the legacy of this sculpture. It’s a great way to show that legacy and show we will have him forever.”

Restoration and preparation of the statue began in April 2025, and were carried out by an eclectic team from all corners of the Georgia Southern community. Students, faculty and staff from the BFSDoArt, Master of Fine Arts student Tanner Maxey, Associate Professor Matt Mogle, in addition to Garland and McCoy, contributed work to the monument. Steve Hein, executive director of the Center for Wildlife Education, served as consultant throughout the project. Additionally, Georgia Southern’s Division of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, led by Project Manager Sandi Wilkinson, was supported by Dabbs Williams General Contractors to help with the landscaping and installation process.

Designers wanted even the smallest details included in the piece, all the way down to counting the number of feathers along the edges of the wings.

“You want all parties involved to agree on what’s happening so that everybody’s happy with the final outcome,” said McCoy. “It takes a lot of people to get stuff like this done. It’s a memorial piece for the University mascot, so it’s going to mean a lot to a lot of people.”

The statue stands alongside the Erk Russell statue in the plaza at , which will unite two enduring symbols of Eagles football.

Friday’s ceremony featured the unveiling of the statue, as well as speeches and stories from those who worked closely with Freedom and the Wildlife Center. Speakers included Hein, Garland, �����Ƶ President Kyle Marrero, Alumnus David Ball, Hein’s longtime mentor Steve Layman, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Jon Burns, Georgia State Senator Billy Hickman and Athletics Director Chris Davis.

“Freedom wasn’t just a mascot,” said Marrero. “He was a symbol of strength, of unity and of that True Blue pride that defines Georgia Southern. In true Eagle fashion, he grew into something bigger than anyone expected. As we unveiled this new statue in Freedom’s honor, we celebrated not only his life but the tradition and spirit he leaves with us.”

�����Ƶ officials cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the affectionately known as “The Hill,” in a celebration on Dec. 4. At 95,000 square feet, it is the largest event venue space between Savannah and Macon and serves as the signature building on the University’s south campus, fronting Veterans Memorial Parkway (US 301 Bypass).

“It’s more than a building; it’s a place of opportunity,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “Inside ‘The Hill,’ our students will learn, our athletes will compete and our community will come together. From classrooms to research labs, from strength and conditioning spaces to media rooms, every inch of this facility is designed with our future in mind.”

The exterior of the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, which evokes the image of a soaring eagle’s wings, illustrates the University’s commitment to supporting students as they soar beyond.

Inside the center, there is approximately 8,000 square feet of new space for a Waters College of Health Professions sports psychology lab, a satellite research lab, faculty offices, a conference room and classrooms. The community will be afforded space for community activities and access to a new strength and conditioning area for research and other programs.

The arena, which will serve as the new home court for Georgia Southern Eagles NCAA basketball games, provides more than 5,500 in seating capacity, a 50% increase over Hanner Fieldhouse. The arena has chairback seats along both sidelines and behind one baseline, and allows future opportunities to add additional programming to the building, such as more premium seating, suites and club areas.

“It is an honor to officially welcome all of Eagle Nation to the gorgeous Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center with today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Chris Davis told the crowd. “We look forward to christening the facility with women’s and men’s basketball games on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. I especially want to thank Gov. Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, Dr. Kyle Marrero, the University leadership and our generous donors for this unprecedented opportunity to elevate the stature of our basketball programs with this outstanding facility that will provide an exciting venue to watch the Eagles soar on the court. Hail Southern!”

The center also houses the men’s and women’s basketball program and includes spaces for coaches’ offices, locker rooms, laundry/training room, equipment room, strength and conditioning space, fueling station, media room, visiting team locker room and a media green room.

Senior Grace Drawdy, who is a multimedia journalism major, member of the swimming and diving team and president of the Georgia Southern Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is grateful for this contribution.

“If I could describe my time here at Georgia Southern, both individually and as a student-athlete, the one word I would use is transformational,” said Drawdy. “Through the opportunities and resources provided to me by Georgia Southern, I have transformed from a young girl who was unsure of her future to a confident woman who is poised for success wherever she may go. I’ve also had the pleasure of watching the University transform while I’ve been here. And what I’m most excited for is the transformation of our athletic training and physical therapy programs.

“This space will enhance athletic training and sports psychology for students within the major, but also the student-athletes who access these services every single day. I’m so thankful to be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony today, but I’m even more thankful to be a part of a University that continually helps me grow and be successful as a student, as an athlete, and most importantly, as a person.”

The new is located in the building’s concourse. 

The seating capacity for the events space is more than 5,900 (including nearly 970 seats on the floor). Event-level space also includes a ticketing office, security command center, a Coca-Cola micro market featuring checkout-free technology, and four dividable classrooms that can convert into additional flexible spaces.

Marrero thanked the partners who helped to make this impressive $64.4 million two-story complex a reality. 

“We express our deepest gratitude to Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, with the best legislative delegation in the state of Georgia, led by the Speaker of the House Jon Burns, the Board of Regents, and University System of Georgia leadership under Chancellor Sonny Perdue. Your vision and willingness made this project a reality.”

He also thanked the University Foundation Board, the Athletic Foundation Board and donors for their generous gifts and unwavering support of such a meaningful addition to the institution.

The building is named for Jack Hill (‘66), who was the longest-serving Georgia senator when he died in April 2020. He was a senator for 30 years, serving as chairman of several crucial committees, including Appropriations, which has broad jurisdiction over legislation involving budgeting and spending state and federal funds. With Hill’s support, Georgia Southern reached new heights as an institution serving the southeast region and the state of Georgia. Hill was instrumental in helping the University expand its programs and build several new state-of-the-art facilities, including the Engineering and Research Building, which opened for classes in January 2021.

Hill’s wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann, focused her life on public education and retired as principal of Reidsville Elementary School. She was a Triple Eagle, earning degrees from Georgia Southern in 1973, 1990 and 1991.

“We’re here to celebrate the great legacy of two individuals who made a difference,” Ga. Rep. Jon Burns enthusiastically shared with the audience. “They were both faithful public servants, because they cared more about their neighbors than they did about themselves. That was very clear. This University and this state could not be what it will be and what it is without the contributions and the foresight of people like Jack Hill. What he endowed this University with was an opportunity for a better life, for a better education for all Georgians and all people who wanted to attend this University. His fingerprints are all over this place. We all know that with the buildings, with the opportunities for these students, for these young people, they’re boundless. Because of the foresight and the work of Jack and Ruth in this place, we are privileged to sit here. Today was a dream of Senator Hill.”

Marrero also reflected on the outstanding legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill.

“As Senator Hill once said, ‘The power of education is the ability to produce knowledge, character and skill in a way that is beneficial to society,’” Marrero shared.” His legacy embodies that ideal. Today is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together, but it’s also a look to the future. “The Hill” stands as a symbol of our University’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students and community.

“So, today, let us cut this ribbon and open the doors to a new era at Georgia Southern,” he concluded. “Together, we will continue to honor the legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill while building a brighter future for Eagle Nation.”

Construction for the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center began in early 2023 and finished late 2024. The program manager for the project is BDR Partners; the architect/engineer is LS3P-AECOM; the site/civil engineer is Hussey, Gay, Bell; the mechanical engineer is Dulohery Weeks; the general contractor is Whiting-Turner. Additional partners are GSFIC and Board of Regents USG.

For more than 60 years, the American flag has been raised and lowered every day on the same flag pole on Sweetheart Circle. Mike Markovcic works on �����Ƶ’s Statesboro Campus, and has been responsible for the flag for the past few of those years.

“You’re going up there every morning bringing the flag up and taking the flag down at nighttime, and trying to keep it off the dirt,” Markovcic said. “A lot of people died for that flag. That flag means a lot.”

This flag pole was first planted back in 1958. Aged over decades, the old pole was ready for retirement and replacement.

For nearly 10 years, Markovcic had been campaigning for a new flagpole for Sweetheart Circle. Just recently, when the proper materials for a suitable display were finally received, the new flagpole was installed.

While the pole is within a foot of the same height as the old one, there are new features to help the emblem stand out, including a spotlight.

“It looks good in the focal point of campus,” Markovcic said. “It just looks good at nighttime with a flag. Now you’re able to see the flag at nighttime when you go around Sweetheart Circle and it will catch your eye.”

According to federal guidelines, the American flag cannot be left on a flagpole at night. However, there is an exception: it can stay out and stay raised if there’s a light shining on it.

The American flag waving at the heart of campus will now be available for night photos, thanks to the new spotlight.

Philip Schretter, the superintendent of grounds operations for �����Ƶ Armstrong Campus in Savannah, oversees many “only one of” species of plants. However, there’s one that quite literally towers the others.

The Mexican oaks are a quickly-disappearing species of trees, and are sparse on this side of the southern border. In Mexico, many of the oaks are being torn down for agriculture and other deforestation efforts.

“This is coming from the cloud forest in southern Mexico, so it’s a prime location for growing coffee,” Schretter said. “And so it’s important to have repositories for that germplasm in other places. We have a lot of plants like that on campus where they are endangered in their native habitats.”

Since its planting in 2012, the plant has grown into a 30-foot-tall tree. Schretter said this rapid growth is exceptional, especially because it’s also growing outside of its natural habitat. There are only a few reports of this type of tree living along the Atlantic Coast, but they aren’t growing nearly as fast, according to Schretter.

The tree’s story has been gaining notoriety through online stories and publications within the horticulture community, including a recent article for the International Oak Society.

It’s not just the story that’s getting out. The success of the Armstrong Campus tree may very well spread to other parts of the United States. The tree flowered and fruited for the first time last year, which will allow the University to collect its acorns and share them with other universities in areas suitable for the Mexican oak.

“We’ll propagate our own, but we’ll also share them with other places,” Schretter said. “And I hate having just one of anything on campus because if it dies, you don’t have any more. So we will plant some other ones on campus when we do get some acorns.”

The Mexican oak tree can be found on the eastern side of the Student Union on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, and is next to Compass Plaza.