AUBURN, Ala. – Gerald Pouncey, Auburn alumnus and chairman of Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, will return to his alma mater to deliver the keynote address during Auburn University’s fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 14 in Neville Arena. In addition to celebrating more than 2,000 graduates, the institution will also present an Honorary Doctor of Science (Doctor Honoris Causa) to prominent engineering alumnus Charles E. Gavin III.
“As an Auburn graduate, Gerald Pouncey truly embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership that we aim to instill in our students,” Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts said. “His remarkable contributions to environmental law and sustainable development highlight his unwavering commitment to improving communities worldwide. I look forward to hearing his insights and wisdom as we celebrate the achievements of our newest alumni.”
A strategic leader in environmental law and infrastructure practices, Pouncey currently leads Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, or MMM, one of Atlanta's top law firms. As head of the Environmental, Infrastructure and Land Use Practice, the 1982 chemical engineering graduate has played a key role in fostering the acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of urban properties with significant environmental impact across the US, including state and federal superfund sites.
In addition to leading efforts in the permitting, financing, acquisition, redevelopment and regulatory closure of hundreds of industrial properties, mines and landfills, Pouncey continues to advance the development and implementation of green energy strategies and technologies. He has also spearheaded the expansion and redevelopment of various port facilities and served as lead negotiator for new industries in the Southeast. Among his notable projects, Pouncey led the $2 billion Atlantic Station Redevelopment in Midtown Atlanta – a project recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the nation's best Brownfield redevelopment.
“I am extremely excited to speak to our next generation of leaders as they begin their career paths,” Pouncey said.
A native of Opelika, Pouncey has played a critical role in advancing legislative efforts focused on environmental stewardship, serving as an appointee to the Commission reviewing Georgia's Hazardous Waste Trust Fund and as the principal author of Georgia’s brownfield legislation. He has chaired the Board of Directors of the Council for Quality Growth and the Georgia Brownfield Association, as well as a number of other organizations. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Conservancy and remains on the Board of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. He also chairs the Environmental Energy and Land Use Committee for the International Council of Shopping Centers.
A contributing author to the American Bar Association, Pouncey has been named one of America's Leading Lawyers for Business by Chambers USA and a "Georgia Super Lawyer" by Atlanta magazine, which also recognized him as one of Atlanta's 500 most influential leaders. This year he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Southeastern Legal Awards.
Honorary Degree Recipient: Charles E. Gavin III
In addition to Pouncey's address, Auburn will confer an honorary degree to one of its most distinguished alumni, Charles E. Gavin III. A 1959 textile engineering graduate from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Gavin will receive the Honorary Doctor of Science, marking the 161st honorary degree awarded in the university's 168-year history. The honor recognizes Gavin's lifelong contributions to engineering innovation and education, entrepreneurship, societal impact and philanthropy.
A 2016 State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame inductee, Gavin is renowned for his transformational work in carpet-dye technology and numerous innovations in the textile industry. As the founder, former chairman and CEO of MFG Chemical Inc., Gavin revolutionized dyeing conventions, leading his company to become a top supplier to Fortune 500 companies. His visionary leadership spans nearly six decades of textile development, and Gavin is largely credited with key advancements in environmental stewardship and sustainable development. He also played an instrumental role in the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and its scholarship program, serving as past president.
Following his graduation from Auburn, Gavin quickly advanced from a process engineer to roles including process innovator, plant manager and operations administrator. A skilled engineer and business innovator, Gavin excelled in transitioning organic and surface chemistry fundamentals into high-speed, profitable manufacturing operations, notably expanding dyeing processes to include polymer and synthetic fibers. MFG continues to serve various industrial markets, including oil fields, water treatment, paper and mining.
“This honor is something I could have never dreamed of,” Gavin said. “I am beyond humbled for this distinction and to be recognized among an elite group of honorary doctorate recipients who have made such an impact on this state, nation and world.”
A noted philanthropist, Gavin has provided scholarship support to Auburn University since the late 1960s, while also funding scholarship programs at numerous K-12 school and higher education institutions. The Gavins have generously donated to numerous areas at Auburn and have funded numerous scholarships, professorships, programs and facilities in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Among these is the Carol Ann and Charles E. Gavin III Engineering Research Laboratory, formerly known as the Textile Building, which was renovated in 2018 with funds from the Gavin Family. This state-of-the-art research facility stands as a testament to their support for engineering education and workforce development. Auburn has recognized Gavin with several accolades, including the 2003 Outstanding Alumnus in Textile Engineering, the 2014 Distinguished Auburn Engineer Award and the 2018 Auburn Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Gavin's honorary degree will be presented during the 6 p.m. ceremony.
The university's fall ceremonies will be held Dec. 14 at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. in Neville Arena. All graduates and guests must have a ticket to enter Neville Arena. Doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony, and graduates should plan to arrive at the designated time for their college ceremony through the student entrance. All guests planning to attend must adhere to all safety protocols, including a clear bag policy. Auburn's commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on the university's website.
For more information, visit auburn.edu/commencement.
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