At 90 years old, lifelong Gwinnett County resident and community advocate Rubye Wilburn Neal will receive one of Georgia Gwinnett College’s highest honors — an honorary Bachelor of Science in Education — in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to education, service and preserving local history.
Born in Dacula and educated at the historic Hooper-Renwick School, the first public African American high school in Gwinnett County, Neal has spent decades quietly shaping the community through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to future generations.
A respected civic leader, Neal has served with organizations including the Central Gwinnett Cluster Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club and numerous faith-based and community initiatives, helping create opportunities for countless young people and families across Gwinnett.
She is perhaps best known for her tireless work preserving the legacy of Hooper-Renwick School, now the Hooper-Renwick Themed Library — the first themed library of its kind in the Southeast. Through oral histories, historical research and curated exhibits, Neal has helped ensure an essential chapter of Gwinnett’s history is preserved for generations to come.
Her story is one of perseverance, purpose and lifelong service — making this recognition especially meaningful as she is honored at age 90 before a new generation of college graduates.
