At Appalachian State University’s December 12, 2025 Commencement ceremony, Chancellor Heather Norris bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters upon George Albert “G.A.” Sywassink, Jr., recognizing his longstanding commitment to education, leadership, and service.
As former chair of the Walker College of Business Advisory Council and Appalachian’s Board of Trustees, and as a former member of the university’s Foundation Board of Directors, Board of Visitors, and the UNC System Board of Governors, Sywassink has demonstrated an unwavering belief in the power of education. His service to the State of North Carolina, combined with a distinguished career, underscores his commitment to creating opportunities for his community.
Sywassink’s vision and generosity have shaped the academic experience for generations of Mountaineers by funding scholarships, supporting faculty research, and investing in facilities that foster innovation and collaboration.
G.A. Sywasssink, second from right, is pictured at App State’s 1 p.m. Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony, held Dec. 12 in Holmes Convocation Center on the Boone campus. He was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters from App State for his transformational support of the university, including providing funding for scholarships and facilities. Pictured with Sywassink, from left to right, are App State Board of Trustees Secretary Jamie Harris ’84, App State Chancellor Heather Norris and UNC System Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers ’85. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
“His decades-long history of transformational support for our university has ensured generations of students have benefited — and will continue to benefit — from his profound commitment to creating upward mobility and opportunity for others,” noted Chancellor Norris.
From active learning classrooms to the Peacock Hall Building Leaders initiative, Sywassink's contributions have transformed the college’s ability to prepare tomorrow’s leaders, and his influence extends beyond classrooms and buildings. Sywassink was an original supporter of the Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series, which brings thought leaders and top executives to campus, and he helped establish the Sywassink Day of Excellence, an annual tradition that celebrates faculty and staff achievements and has helped build a culture of excellence within the Walker College community. For nearly 40 years, this event has strengthened the college’s ability to attract and retain outstanding educators and researchers.
“G.A.’s impact on the Walker College of Business and Appalachian State University has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Walker College of Business Dean Sandra Vannoy, who hooded the celebrant during the college’s December 11 Graduate Programs Hooding & Awards Ceremony. “His generosity and service have helped shape our institution’s academic landscape and enabled our ability to continue building tomorrow’s leaders.”
G.A. Sywassink is hooded by Walker College of Business Dean Sandra Vannoy during the December 11, 2025 Graduate Programs Hooding & Awards Ceremony.
As current chair of the board of directors and owner of Standard Holding Corporation, Sywassink has exhibited innovation and success throughout his career, “making significant, positive contributions to the logistics and transportation industry, in particular,” noted Chancellor Norris.
For his enduring service and leadership, G.A. had previously earned App State’s Honorary Alumni Award. Today, his honorary doctorate stands as a testament to a lifetime of integrity, hard work, and dedication to the welfare of humankind.
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college emphasizes international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs, and real-world industry applications. Enrolling nearly 5,000 students, including more than 4,500 undergraduates across 11 majors, the Walker College of Business has the highest full-time undergraduate enrollment in the University of North Carolina System. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.
G.A. Sywassink wearing academic regalia and medallion
Appalachian State University