Five SGIA Alumni Recognized as 40 Owls Under 40 

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 29, 2026

Five alumni of the School of Government and International Affairs have been selected for the Kennesaw State University Alumni Association’s 40 Owls Under 40 Class of 2026.

The annual recognition honors Kennesaw State and Southern Polytechnic State University alumni under the age of 40 who have made notable contributions through their professions and communities. This year’s class was selected from more than 450 nominations submitted during Fall 2025. The 40 honorees represent all 11 Kennesaw State colleges, 16 Georgia cities and eight states. The five SGIA alumni recognized in the 2026 class are: 
  • Anita Douglas Murphy, MPA, CNP — MPA ’19
  • Sam Dupervil, MPA — Political Science ’11
  • Lisa Hardt — Political Science ’17 and MPA ’20
  • Catherine Smith — MPA ’11
  • Haley Weaver — International Affairs ’14 

The honorees were selected based on their professional achievements, community involvement, and commitment to the university. Their selection reflects the range of careers and continued contributions of SGIA graduates across public service, government, and other fields. 

The School of Government and International Affairs celebrates Anita, Sam, Lisa, Catherine and Haley as they join the 2026 class of 40 Owls Under 40. 

Graphic recognizing SGIA alumni Anita Douglas Murphy, Sam Dupervil, Lisa Hardt, Catherine Smith, and Haley Weaver as members of KSU's 2026 40 Owls Under 40 class.

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