By Prentiss Smith
I grew up in Ruston, La, just a few miles from Grambling State University, which was really cool. It warms my heart to think about all the good times my friends and I had in Grambling. It was a great time.
When people hear the name Grambling State University, a certain pride stirs—one rooted in excellence, tradition, and a history that has echoed far beyond the piney woods of North Louisiana.
Grambling is not just a school; it is a living institution of culture, achievement, and legacy that has touched every corner of the globe.
For as long as I can remember, Grambling has been synonymous with greatness. Its world-renowned World Famed Tiger Marching Band has entertained audiences from Super Bowls to international stages, reminding us all of the power of music, rhythm, and spirit to unite communities and inspire generations.
Few universities can claim a band so celebrated that it is itself an ambassador of culture, representing the pride of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to audiences worldwide.
Equally legendary is Grambling’s football tradition, built under the steady hand of the iconic Coach Eddie Robinson. For 56 seasons, Robinson not only piled up 408 victories—making him the winningest coach in college football history—but also shaped the lives of thousands of young men.
Under his guidance, more than 200 players went on to careers in the NFL, and several became members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But Robinson’s greatest gift was not just developing athletes; it was instilling discipline, character, and leadership in young men who went on to succeed on and off the field.
Grambling State University’s influence stretches far beyond its athletic fields and performance halls. It is a beacon of opportunity, a place where education and culture converge to create leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
I have had a ringside seat to all the progress, but today, this proud institution faces the same challenges that confront many HBCUs: underfunding, limited resources, and the lack of ongoing large donor support that many of the larger mainstream institutions enjoy. The volatility of this Administration toward education has made things even worse. Now, more than ever, there is pressing need for alumni and donors to step up and invest in Grambling’s future.
Grambling’s history is secure—but its future depends on whether those who love and admire the university are willing to give back.
Supporting Grambling means more than writing a check; it is about preserving a legacy. It is about ensuring that the next generation of students has access to the same transformative experiences, whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field, that shaped so many lives before.
The story of Grambling State University is not finished—it is still being written every day. And it calls upon us, especially alumni and friends, to make sure that the chapters yet to come are as bold and inspiring as those already penned.
As Coach Eddie Robinson once said: “Leadership, like coaching, is fighting for the hearts and souls of men and getting them to believe in you.” Now is the time for us to believe in Grambling—to fight for its heart and soul—by giving it the support it deserves! And that’s my take. smithpren@aol.com