VSU Names 2004 Distinguished Alumnus and Gold Award Graduate of theLast Decade Recipients

Valdosta State University will honor Dr. Eddie Richardson, Jr. with the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Michael Brian Law with the 2004 Gold Award Graduate of the Last Decade Award at the Valdosta Country Club on Friday, Oct. 15.

Richardson, a 1986 graduate of Valdosta State College, is definitely an admirable inspiration to those who cross his path. He is a family physician and medical director at the Low Country Health Care System Inc, in Fairfax, S.C. Richardson's colleagues describe him as a diligent doctor who makes a very lasting impression on his patients and really strives to assist them with their needs.

The Echols County native received his bachelor of science in chemistry from VSC. Shortly after, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he was in active duty from 1987 to 1991. During that time, he was sent to the Persian Gulf. In the military, he received the Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct medal, and Certificates of Commendation. After returning to the states, the Gulf War veteran received his master's in biochemistry from Clark Atlanta University in 1993, and his medical degree from the Morehouse School of Medicine in 1999.

The doctor is affiliated with the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, and the Morehouse School of Medicine's National Alumni Association. He has won awards including the Outstanding Rural Practice of the Year from the Georgia Rural Health Association, Resident of the Year from the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and the National Health Service Corps Leadership Award.

Law, a 1993 graduate of Valdosta State College, is a dedicated counselor and leader. He is the Odom Elementary School Counselor in Colquitt County. Law has a genuine love for children that is shown through his steadfast involvement and commitment. The elementary school's faculty and staff see him as a compassionate individual who aspires to see his students succeed in life. He has been a featured speaker at regional education meetings, school systems, state conventions, colleges, and universities.

Law received his bachelor of science in secondary education. In 1996, he received his master's in guidance and counseling. He obtained his educational specialist degree in 2001 as the first on-line cohort at VSU. The Adel resident is currently the counselor/coordinator for the Williams Middle Alternative Program in Colquitt County Schools, and has been the principal for the county's Migrant Summer Program since 2000.

The counselor is affiliated with American School Counselors Association (ASCA), Georgia School Counselors Association (GSCA), Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), and the International Reading Association. He is the GSCA Human Rights Chairperson, GSCA Elementary Worksetting Vice President, GSCA Information Technology Chair, and the President of the Colquitt County Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

Law is recognized for his work and hard efforts. He has won awards including the 2004 ASCA National Elementary School Counselor of the Year, 2004 Region 10 Elementary School Counselor of the Year, and the Outstanding PAGE Member Award for District 14. In November 2003, he won the GSCA Human Rights Award and is a candidate for the ASCA National Human Rights Award.