Four Lee students recently had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The invite was extended by Lee alum Joe Giove, the U.S. Department of Energy (Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management) Representative to the SSEB.

Cody Hooper, Daniel Puckett, Ryan Williams, and Ryan Wommack, all members of different ensembles at Lee, performed an acapella version of the National Anthem to open the meeting.

“I reached out to these four busy music students and asked them if they’d be willing to tackle this project,” said Dr. Randy Sheeks, associate dean of the School of Music, professor of music and worship, and director of Lee Singers. “Without hesitation, they agreed and prepared a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem with excellence. I was very proud of their efforts.”

Governors Bill Lee (Tennessee), Henry McMaster (South Carolina), Jeff Landry (Louisiana), and Jim Pillen (Nebraska) attended the event and were present for the opening ceremony along with energy leaders from across the southeast.

“The boys did a fantastic job, and several people told me that it was the best rendition they had ever heard,” said Giove. “These representatives honored our nation, and at the same time made Lee University look exceptionally good. I greatly appreciate the contribution.” 

The SSEB is a nonprofit interstate compact organization consisting of governors and state legislators from 16 southern states, two territories, and a presidential appointee. With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, SSEB works to advance energy policies, technologies, and practices that enhance the region’s energy efficiency, affordability, and reliability.