Tech Leader and GSSM Alum Neel Sus to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (May 16, 2025) — Neel Sus, a 1995 graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) and the CEO of Susco Solutions, will return to his alma mater to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, at the DeLoach Center at Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina. 

Sus is the founder and CEO of Susco Solutions, a New Orleans-based software development firm committed to modernizing operations for mid-market companies. Under his leadership, Susco has become a nationally recognized provider of both custom claims management systems and its proprietary CMS platform, RocketClaims™. Beyond his contributions to the tech industry, Sus is widely respected for promoting human-centered leadership, encouraging self-awareness in business, and empowering individuals to realize their full potential. Susco has earned a spot on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for five consecutive years and, for the past two, has been honored as one of Inc.’s Best Workplaces—a distinction awarded to only 600 companies nationwide. 

“Govies love hearing from other Govies, and Neel’s story is a powerful one,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “From his time here as a student to building a successful business in New Orleans, he’s been an inspiration to many. I know the Class of 2025 will take away meaningful lessons from his journey and insight.”  

“Returning to GSSM as this year’s commencement speaker is incredibly meaningful to me — not just because it’s been nearly 30 years, but because this school played a pivotal role in my personal transformation,” Sus said. “It challenged me in ways I didn’t expect — not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Being invited back is both humbling and energizing — it feels like coming full circle.” 

Sus credits GSSM as the place that first pushed him to grow beyond academics. “It created the conditions for a kind of personal reckoning that, in hindsight, changed the course of my life,” he said. “That early experience of growth — uncomfortable as it was — laid the groundwork for the values that drive my company, my relationships, and my purpose.” 

The 2025 graduation ceremony is open to all guests. Doors will open for general seating at 10:15 a.m., with seating available on the main floor behind the senior class and in the bleachers. Junior ushers and GSSM staff will be available to assist with seating, and special accommodations may be requested by contacting Carmen Tyce at ctyce@governors.school. 

Graduating seniors will gather at GSSM’s gym for a class photo at 9 a.m. before proceeding to the DeLoach Center. The ceremony is expected to conclude around 12:45 p.m., followed by a reception in the GSSM dining hall and North Lobby. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed at www.scgssm.org/Graduation2025. 

Reflecting on what advice he would offer the graduating class, Sus shared, “You’ve already proven yourselves intellectually — but your next stage of growth will come from how you show up in your relationships and how deeply you’re willing to know yourself. Seek feedback, embrace discomfort, and focus on becoming someone who lifts others up.” 

For more information about graduation and GSSM’s Class of 2025, visit www.scgssm.org. 

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About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics 
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is a nationally ranked top 10 public high school that exists to bring world-class STEM education to students across the state. Founded in 1988 by Gov. Carroll Campbell, GSSM is a state resource that offers a variety of programs including an intensive two-year residential high school, a challenging virtual engineering program, summer camps, and in-school experiences for students in 3rd through 12th grades. At GSSM challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. Learn more about how we help students realize their full potential by visiting www.scgssm.org.