Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kirbo of the Kirbo Charitable Trust have given Mr. and Mrs. Luther Conyers a $100,000 commitment for scholarships at Savannah State University.

The gift is given to honor the Conyers’ 60th Class Reunion Celebration as graduates of Georgia State College, which is now Savannah State. The Kirbos’ gift will be matched by the university’s alumni and other donors to create a $200,000 endowed scholarship for students at Savannah State University.

Between them, Luther and Gwendolyn Conyers have devoted more than 110 combined years to the education of youth in Decatur County.

Mrs. Conyers retired after more than 39 years of teaching but she remains very active in the community. She serves as GED Examiner, a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, president of the Decatur County Retired Educators Association, and coordinator of Alumni Affairs for Decatur County Chapter of SSU Alumni Association.

Mr. Conyers continues to serve in the Decatur County School System as attendance support personnel. He is active in the Bainbridge Rotary Club, American Legion Post 502, Habitat for Humanity, Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, kettle captain for the Salvation Army. He has served on the Bainbridge City Council since 1977. Savannah State University honored him in 1978 as Alumnus of the Year. He was inducted into the Georgia Municipal Association Hall of Fame for his work in local and state governments in June 2008.

The Conyers family is passionate about Savannah State.

Brothers who have attended and their graduation dates include: Charles, 1949; Willie, 1951; and Chester (deceased), 1953. Daughters who attended and their graduation dates are Audrey and Luthenya, who graduated in 1976. One of the Conyers’ two grandchildren, Leslie Wright, graduated in December. She was first attendant in the 2008 Miss Savannah State University pageant. In addition, other relatives who are SSU alumni include: Commodore, 1958; and Bernard and Emma Conyers in 1970.

To help the Conyers match the gift by the Kirbo Foundation, make your checks and pledges payable to SSU, earmarked for the Kirbo-Conyers Endowed Scholarship and mail to: Luther H. Conyers, 1308 Carter St., Bainbridge, GA 39817 or to Savannah State University, Box 20439, Savannah, GA 31404.