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Grambling State University held its Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Fred Hobdy Assembly Center. The ceremony was a festive occasion paying tribute to the over 300 graduates from the class of Fall 2024 for their commitment to completing their educational pursuits despite setbacks, roadblocks or any challenges they encountered.
The President, Dr. Martin Lemelle, set the tone for the event by calling it “a day wrapped in love… the deep, abiding love that carries, uplifts and transforms.” He followed with the presentation of the Highest Ranking Graduate, the Valedictorian, Miss NaToria Tarrant, with an overall GPA of 3.88, who gave a touching and inspirational speech to her fellow 2024 graduates. The ceremony moved quickly along with David Aubrey, President of AT&T Louisiana and a GSU Alum (Class of 1995), taking the stage to introduce the keynote speaker, Dr. Percy “Master P” Miller, Hip-Hop Mogul, Producer, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
During his powerful and thought-provoking speech, Miller told the students how proud he was of them and that they did it the right way. “Many people give four or five years to incarceration, y’all gave it to education.” He also pointed out, “This moment is the result of your dedication and determination.You made it. You sacrificed. You stayed on the grind despite the roadblocks and disappointments that I know a lot of y’all had. I know there were days when you felt like you wanted to give up, but you didn’t. You kept going because you knew this was bigger than you. For those who didn’t understand your journey, they couldn’t see the moves you were making.”
Miller reminded them of some of the remarkable Grambling graduates who’ve gone on to be incredibly successful such as Erykah Badu, Doug Williams, and Willis Reed. “Let’s celebrate Denise Young Smith, who went from being a Grambling student to being a top executive at Apple. And now she dedicates her life to making a difference for the next generation. Also Mr. David Aubrey, who turned dreams into reality in becoming a top executive at AT&T.
“And let’s not forget Earl Stevenson, who came from the Bay area, went to Grambling and became one of the most sought-after entertainers in the world. Let’s give it up for E-40. Class of 2024, I can’t wait to see how y’all are going to leave your mark on the world. Y’all are going to be great.”
Before ending his speech, he told the graduates, “There’s no limit to what you can do and where you can go. You can’t control the future, but you can control the decisions you make today. Nothing is impossible when you put your trust and faith in God.”
Following Miller’s speech, the President led the charge of conferring degrees and awards first to Doctoral candidates, then to the Masters Degree candidates, and then to those candidates for Bachelor Degrees. One by one, the candidates graced the stage with many taking the moment to dance, stomp, and flex letting the crowd know how happy they were to see this day!
The 2024 commencement ceremony was a tribute to the dedication, hard work and perseverance, of its graduates. Family, friends, and loved ones were on hand to celebrate all the class of 2024 had achieved. The ceremonies were closed out by Dr. Tammie Richardson, the GUNAA President, leading the graduates in the Alumni pledge followed by remarks and announcements by President Lemelle and benediction by Pastor Cedric Bridges.