Clyatt named 1999 Distinguished Alumnus

Robert M. Clyatt will receive the Valdosta State University Alumni Association's highest honor at Homecoming festivities when he is recognized as the 1999 Distinguished Alumnus.

Clyatt, a Valdosta native and area attorney, graduated magna cum laude from Brewton-Parker Junior College with an Associate of Arts in 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Arts at Valdosta State College in 1972 and his Juris Doctorate from Mercer University in 1975.

"Mr. Clyatt is a fine example of Valdosta State's alumni body," said Terry Frederiksen, director of Alumni Relations. "His unselfish support of education and his commitment to his community bring pride to this institution's alumni."

Clyatt said he is humbled to receive the award, and proud of his educational experiences.

"Valdosta State University connects our community to the world at large, and highlights the great diversity and genuine goodness of people and the undying strength of the human spirit," Clyatt said.

Clyatt is a member of the Valdosta Bar Association, in which he served as president from 1987-1988. He has served on the State Advisory Council to the chairman of the State Board of Workers' Compensation since 1990. He was appointed as a Special Master by the Supreme Court of Georgia in January 1999, and presented the Meritorious Service Award by the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in March 1999. Among his many professional recognitions, in July 1998 Clyatt was also awarded the "Chief Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service" by the State Bar of Georgia and the Community Service Task Force.

Clyatt is the founder and chairman of the Board of Kids' Chance, Inc., a non-profit corporation providing educational scholarships to children of deceased or catastrophically injured workers. Kids' Chance, Inc., has raised more than $1.2 million in Georgia alone and has awarded 170 scholarships across the state. The program has now expanded into other states, and been recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives, the Georgia Senate and the American Bar Association.

Clyatt has also been actively supportive of the Valdosta Methodist Home for Children and Youth, LAMP (the Lowndes Associated Ministries to People) and LODAC (the Lowndes Drug Action Council).

Clyatt will be presented with the 1999 Distinguished Alumnus Award at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 during the Alumni Association Annual Dinner Meeting at the Valdosta Country Club. Tickets are available for $17.50 each�reservations required. Call 229-333-5797 for more information.