This moment marks more than the end of a chapter—it celebrates every late night, every breakthrough, every step forward. It is the culmination of relentless determination, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence. We are proud to honor the scholars, leaders, creators, and changemakers who have defined their legacy at Grambling State University. Congratulations Class of 2025 — this is your time.

 

Event Information

Hobdy Assembly Center

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM CST 

Venue: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center

100 North Stadium Drive

Grambling, LA 71245

View in Google Maps

Commencement Speaker

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Tabitha Brown

Actress | Author | Entrepreneur

 

Brown, affectionately known as “America’s Mom,” brings a message of authenticity, faith, and perseverance that has resonated with millions across the globe. With more than 13 million followers, she is widely celebrated for her inspirational content, comedic personality, and innovative approach to veganism.

 

The Emmy Award-winning host is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and a multi–NAACP Image Award winner. She has created and starred in several television projects, including Tab Time and Food Network’s first vegan cooking competition, It’s CompliPlated. Her entrepreneurial ventures include the healthy haircare line Donna’s Recipe and product collaborations with Target and McCormick. As the Chief Empowerment Officer for Clover, Brown also champions financial wellness and empowerment for small businesses.

Degrees

Graduate Studies

Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Social Sciences, Master of Education in Special Education, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Developmental Education, Master of Science in Sports Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Social Work, Post Master’s Certificate

 

College of Arts and Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Child Development and Early Literacy, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering Technology, English, General Studies, History, Mathematics and Physics, Music, Political Science, Visual and Performing Arts

College of Business

Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Management, Marketing

 

College of Education
Kinesiology, Leisure Studies, Teacher Education degree programs

 

College of Professional Studies

Criminal Justice, Mass Communications, Nursing, Social Work, Sociology and Psychology

 

FOR GUESTS

Attendance
All guests should be seated 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony in designated seating. 
 
Clear Bag Policy

As families, friends, alumni, and supporters arrive at Grambling State University for Spring 2025 commencement exercises on May 9, preparation should be made to adhere to the clear bag policy. Scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., the events will be held in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center and streamed live on Grambling State’s YouTube channel.

Parking will be limited on campus and the area immediately in front of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center will be closed to allow for pedestrians to walk.

Permitted items include clear totes 12” x 6”x 12” in size with a logo no larger than 4.5”x3.4”; clear storage bag (resealable gallon size); small clutch or wallet no larger than 6.5”x4.5” with or without a handle or strap (can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag); backless cushions less than 16” in size; and items required for medical, family, or childcare needs.

Prohibited items include balloons, air horns, or gifts (should be left in the vehicle); backpacks, fanny packs, purses larger than 6.5” x 4.5”; cameras with lenses longer than 6”; video cameras; pets; umbrellas; weapons; alcoholic beverages; strollers; food and beverages; beach balls; toilet tissue; artificial noisemakers; and seat cushions larger than 16” or with a zipper, pocket, or compartment.


FOR GRADUATES

Transfer Credits
If you were enrolled in courses at other regionally accredited institutions this semester or there is a hold for another transcript not yet received, please forward the official transcript to  bostonji@gram.edu so credits may be added to your official transcript for certifying purposes as soon as possible.
 
Graduation regalia
Candidates may also contact the University Bookstore at (318) 247-1006 regarding ordering regalia and graduation announcements, or order online.
 
Attire
Commencement is a significant ceremony; therefore, the ceremony is expected to be carried out in a proper and dignified manner. To guide candidates in selecting attire for participation the ceremony, outlined below are suggested forms of dress.
  • Cap and Gown
  • White or Black Dress
  • White or Black Slacks
  • Light Color Shirt
  • Black (or other dark color)Shoes

Your name will appear in the official commencement program.  An official listing of the 2025 Spring Candidates for Graduation will be posted on the GSU graduation webpage. Additional information will be forwarded at a later date related to the commencement exercises.
 
Honor Students
Students who graduate with honors will receive honor cords.  There will also be a gold sticker placed on the diploma for all undergraduate honor students.
 
Clearance
It is imperative that all indebtedness to the University be cleared in a timely manner. Candidates can monitor the clearance process on-line via BannerWeb. (The steps for online graduation clearance are found at the end of this document.).  Please allow approximately (3) business days for your clearance to be processed in the system. Students who have been identified as having delinquent accounts will not be allowed to participate in commencement exercises.
 
Cancellation of Graduation
If for some reason you are not graduating this semester, please request permission from your academic dean to cancel your graduation application and they will notify the Registrar’s Office.  Upon notification, the cancellation will be processed and updated in BannerWeb, and your graduation hold will be released.  You will then be eligible to register for the upcoming semester.