Special to Grambling Connection
The energy inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center was electric as the Grambling State University community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025 in a spirited and heartfelt commencement ceremony held at 10 a.m. this morning. Families, friends, alumni, and faculty filled the space with roaring cheers as graduates processed in, many adorned with boldly decorated caps featuring phrases like “I’m Psyched” (a nod to psychology majors), glittering flowers, feathers, scriptures, and Grambling’s iconic “G.” Greek life was proudly on display as members threw up hand signs in honor of their fraternities and sororities, amplifying the pride and tradition of this historic institution.
Leading the procession, Dr. Carolyn Jackson carried the Academic Torch, symbolizing the light of knowledge passed from one generation of scholars to the next. Soon after, the official stage party followed, concluding with Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle, whose presence signaled the beginning of an unforgettable ceremony.
The renowned World Famed Tiger Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Nikole Roebuck, delivered a powerful performance of the National Anthem, followed by the GSU Choir’s stirring rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, led by Dr. Cordara Harper. A moving invocation from Pastor Rhonda Stewart of Rivers of Joy Ministry welcomed the presence of God into the space and set the tone for the day’s events.
President Lemelle opened the commencement by honoring the past and present—bestowing an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters upon Dr. Alana Ward Robinson and recognizing two outstanding valedictorians, Whitney McFarland and Jaylie White, both graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs. He also welcomed back Grambling’s Golden Graduates, the Class of 1975, returning to campus 50 years after their own commencement. Quoting Zora Neale Hurston, he declared, “Some years ask questions, and some years answer.”
The two valedictorians gave compelling speeches of triumph and gratitude. McFarland, a devoted mother of three, candidly shared her journey of balancing motherhood and academia, thanking her children for being her “reason, reflection, and reminder.” With a humorous nod to Gen Z, she closed by quoting her 14-year-old daughter Olivia Quinn: “Congratulations Class of 2025, y’all ate down, clock it!”
White, who was also valedictorian of her high school, reflected on her academic path with reverence for God, encouraging graduates to stop asking “What if?” and start asking “Why not?”
The conferring of the honorary doctorate to Dr. Alana Ward Robinson marked a full-circle moment. A GSU alumna who began her academic journey in 1969 with a merit scholarship, Robinson credited Grambling for giving her more than an education—it gave her a community. Now, with over 73 years of life and decades of advocacy in public health behind her, she urged graduates: “Believe in yourselves. Keep telling yourself, ‘I am, I will, and I can.’ And when your opportunity comes, you will be prepared.”
The keynote address was delivered by actress, author, and viral sensation Mrs. Tabitha Brown, who captivated the audience with a story of redemption, faith, and purpose. From ignoring God’s call in her youth to ultimately embracing it after years of struggle, Brown credited her family and divine guidance for her eventual success. Her vegan journey and TikTok fame became a testimony of how God uses unexpected paths. She reminded graduates: “God deposits dreams—your job is to chase them fiercely and believe in them until they’re yours.” She left the crowd with her signature sign-off: “Have a good day, but if you can’t, don’t go messing up nobody else’s.” In recognition of her impact, Brown received a special award of appreciation from GSU.
The GSU Choir returned with a triumphant performance of The Battle of Jericho, and Student Government Association President Morgan Patton was honored with the President’s Leadership Award. In his farewell address, Patton defined leadership as service, not status, charging his peers to be “torchbearers of their generation and embodiments of Black excellence.”
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Connie Walton, presented the candidates for graduation, with Dr. Carolyn Jackson awarding graduate degrees and hooding doctoral candidates. Deans from various colleges followed suit:
- Dr. Obadiah Simmons, Jr. presented candidates from the College of Education
- Dr. Derrick Warren conferred degrees for the College of Business
- Dr. Stacy Duhon honored the College of Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Carolyn Hester recognized graduates from the College of Professional Studies
In a moment of great pride, Colonel Tyrek Swaby commissioned two GSU cadets into the United States Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, with President Lemelle presenting their official officer commissions.
Finally, Dr. Connie Walton introduced the Golden Graduates for their celebratory recognition, before President Lemelle offered one last charge to the Class of 2025. With tassels moved to the left, the graduates officially transitioned from students to proud alumni.
This commencement ceremony was more than a celebration of academic achievement—it was a profound reminder of Grambling State University’s legacy of resilience, excellence, and community. The Class of 2025 didn’t just graduate—they made history.
