b'P resiDentsA wArD forA cADemice xcellenceThe Presidents Award for Academic Excellence is presented to a high-performing graduating student in each of VSUs six collegesHarley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of the Arts, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education & Human Services, College of Science & Mathematics, and College of Humanities & Social Sciences.h Arleyl AngDAleJ r .Legacy Partners as a financial advisor, he said. In addition, c ollege ofb usinessA DministrAtion I plan to continue working diligently at Prudent Man Tax. Working with clients on both financial planning and tax strategy l AbrynD ePtAof Valdosta,has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing Georgia, is the recipient of theto grow in both areas.Fall 2025 Presidents Award for Academic Excellence for theMy long-term goal is to strengthen my expertise, grow my Harley Langdale Jr. College ofclient base, and make a meaningful impact in my community Business Administration at Valdostaby helping people make informed financial decisions. The State University. He graduateseducation and mentorship I received through the College of summa cum laude with a BachelorBusiness Administration at VSU have played a major role in of Business Administration inpreparing me for this next chapter of life.Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. His supportive family includes parents Dr. Brent and Heather Depta, fiance Brailey Weaver, siblings Parker and Mabry Hart Ending my undergraduate years with this honor feels bothDepta, and dog Finn Depta. His wedding is scheduled one humbling and meaningful, he said. My time at VSU, andweek after graduation.especially in the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, has been an outstanding experience. The professors here have been exceptional, not only knowledgeablec ollege ofn ursing& in their fields but also genuinely invested in helping studentsh eAlths ciencesgrow and succeed. Their guidance, encouragement, and high expectations pushed me to perform at my best and prepared meK Atiel ino rtmeyer of for what comes next.Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of the Fall 2025 Presidents Looking back, Im proud of the hard work that led to thisAward for Academic Excellence point and grateful for the opportunities and mentorship Ivefor the College of Nursing & had throughout my time at VSU. This award feels like theHealth Sciences at Valdosta State perfect culmination of those efforts and experiences. University. She graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of As a student at VSU, Depta successfully passed the FINRA SIE- Science in Health Sciences.Securities Industry Essentials Exam, the FINRA Series 7-GeneralReceiving this award feels unreal, Securities Representative Exam, and the North Americanand I am profoundly appreciative Securities Administrators Association Series 66-Uniformof it, she said. Looking back Combined State Law Examan indication that he is well- on my time here, Gods guidance has been so evident in every prepared to advise clients, recommend investments, and executemoment. My college years are even richer because of my securities transactions in compliance with industry standards.fantastic professors, friends, and family members. This award affirms that my time here was well worth it.He worked as a financial advisor for Legacy Partners, a Valdosta-based financial planning and investment firm, and became partAs a student at VSU, Ortmeyer was a Georgia HOPE owner of Prudent Man Tax, a local tax preparation service forScholar and a seven-time Deans List honoree, with an eighth individuals and small businesses. recognition expected after graduation. Deptas commitment to academic and leadership excellenceShe cultivated compassion and interpersonal wisdom as a resulted in him earning the 2024-2025 American Institutemember of Northside Baptist Church, where she served as of Certified Public Accountants Foundation Scholarship, thesocial media manager and graphic designer for the Young Adult 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Beth Burnette Scholarship, andMinistry; a mission trip volunteer in Savannah, Georgia, and the 2024-2025 Lillian and Rea Steele Scholarship. He was aBoston, Massachusetts; a Vacation Bible School volunteer for Georgia HOPE Scholar and a six-time Deans List honoree,the Childrens Ministry; and a Discipleship Now small group with a seventh recognition expected at the end of the semester.leader and summer camp leader for the Youth Ministry. She also After graduation, I plan to continue building my career atvolunteered as a buddy for First Baptist Church of Valdostas annual Night to Shine, a Tim Tebow Foundation initiative. 22 | VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY'