Local Philathropist receives honorary degree

Columbus, Georgia native and notable philanthropist Stacey Leebern was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) during its 2023 commencement in Atlanta.

As a patron of the arts and advancing education, Stacey Leebern has served on the board of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, SCAD’s Atlanta advisory council, and is a member of SCAD’s Ruskin Society. Leebern has also served on the boards of Our House children’s home and the Alzheimer’s Association regional board. Over the years, Leebern has chaired and hosted fundraisers for a multitude of philanthropies including Racing for the Arts, GCAPP, Atlanta Ballet luncheon, and Camp Southern Ground.

SCAD's President and Founder Paula Wallace also gave honorary degrees to industry and community leaders including recordbreaking Emmy- nominated producer Will Packer, actress and social media personality Tabitha Brown, award-winning costume designer Janie Bryant, and renowned international artist Liliana Porter.

After receiving her degree, Leebern addressed thousands of graduates in an emotional speech, sharing with them her advice for their next steps: “I encourage you to take your creativity, education, and life skills you were taught here and use this incredible springboard SCAD has provided, to propel you into your careers and lives, and most importantly, to know that there are no boundaries to what you can and will accomplish.”