News

Calvin Smyre Named Grand Marshal of FVSU’s 2026 Homecoming Parade

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) is proud to announce distinguished alumnus, statesman, retired business executive and longtime university supporter Calvin Smyre as the grand marshal of the 2026 Homecoming Parade.

A Columbus, Georgia, native and 1970 Fort Valley State College graduate, Smyre earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration before building a career spanning more than five decades in public service, business and community leadership. His journey began as a community organizer and director of Columbus’ War on Poverty program and grew into a lifetime of service at the local, state and national levels.

With a 48-year career in the Georgia House of Representatives, Smyre built a distinguished record of public service and legislative leadership. First elected in 1974, he was the longest-serving member of the Georgia General Assembly when he retired in January 2023. Known as the “Dean” of the House, he held several key leadership positions, including chairman of the House Rules Committee.

His legislative accomplishments include authoring legislation establishing Juneteenth and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as Georgia state holidays and helping create the HOPE Scholarship Program. He also co-sponsored Georgia’s Hate Crimes Act of 2020 and the 2021 repeal of the state’s citizen’s arrest law. Throughout his career, Smyre became known for bringing people together to advance legislation that shaped education, civil rights and economic opportunity.

Alongside his legislative service, Smyre spent 38 years with Synovus, retiring in 2014 as executive vice president of corporate external affairs. He also served as president of the Synovus Foundation, connecting his business leadership with a commitment to community investment.

For the Wildcat family, Smyre’s legacy is especially meaningful. He served as chairman of the FVSU Foundation for 30 years and is a former national president of the FVSU National Alumni Association. Since 1989, he has also served as chairman of the Fountain City Classic, helping sustain the annual football tradition between FVSU and Albany State University. He currently serves on the presidential search committee.

With a lifetime of leadership, service and dedication to his alma mater, Smyre is the embodiment of this year’s Homecoming theme, “All That.”  From the halls of the Georgia Capitol to FVSU’s campus, Smyre’s impact has been felt across generations.

The Homecoming Parade will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 9 a.m. For more information about the parade and FVSU’s Homecoming celebration, visit www.FVSU.edu/Homecoming.

---

• Tags:

---

RSS