Grambling State News

Start anew and forge forward to change the future was the message presented to new Grambling State University graduates by rap music and business mogul Dr. Percy “Master P” Miller Friday morning during commencement exercises inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

GSU conferred 365 degrees during the fall graduation ceremonies with business management major NaToria Tarrant of Lancaster, Texas, earning valedictory honors after posting a 3.88 grade per average during her undergraduate career.

As he spoke to start his second graduation ceremony as GSU president, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., called the occasion a day wrapped in love.

“Not just the fleeting, feel-good kind of love, but the deep, abiding love that carries, uplifts and transforms,” Lemelle said. “It’s the kind of love that (poet) Nikki Giovanni so beautifully described when she said, ‘Love means nothing unless we’re willing to be responsible for those who love us as well as those who we love.’ And oh how those bonds have abounded to bring us to this moment.

“It reminds us that love is when you choose to be at your best when the other person is not at their best. I know that all of you are always at your best, organized, prepared and punctual for every class. From just talking to a few of you, some of you needed that extra love and grace from your professors to make it to this day. GramFam, that’s love in action, and the reason you are here.”

Beginning his keynote speech, Miller stressed to the graduates that while they can’t change the past, they can greatly affect the future as they move on to their next endeavors in life.

“Education is so important, and I love that we can change, we can grow,” Miller said. “Today is about change. Today is about being all you can be. I’ve been through everything you could think of. I’ve seen it, I’ve been there and when I look into your eyes, I realize why. We’re about to be on time.

“Think about it. A lot of people have given four or five years to incarceration. Y’all gave it to education. A lot of people ask why people celebrate when they get out of being incarcerated. We’re going to celebrate the ones that graduate college. This is what I love to see.”

Miller said that with their diplomas, the graduates have been prepared to take on the world.

“There have been trials and tribulations, ups and downs, early mornings and late nights studying to take a test or complete an assignment, and it all led up to this moment,” Miller said. “So y’all give yourselves a round of applause.

“I want y’all to know today is a blessing, and now it’s time to go out and show the world that all of your hard work was worth it. Grambling State University, where everybody is somebody, graduates of 2004 — congratulations. This moment is a result of your dedication and determination. You made the sacrifices, you stayed pushing forward despite the obstacles I know all of y’all had.”

Miller pointed out the legacy of greatness that has matriculated through Grambling State University.

“Alumni like Erykah Badu, Doug Williams, Willis Reed and so many others have walked these grounds,” Miller said. “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.”

Miller told the graduates that they earned their degrees not by luck or accident, but because of the choices they’ve made — their consistency and their discipline.

“One day, when you’re running major corporations and you’re building your own companies and brands and taking care of your communities and leading your families, remember the investment you made in yourself in your education,” Miller said.

As he began wrapping up his speech, Miller briefly took the audience to church.

“Class of 2024, remember this — today is not the destination, it’s only the beginning,” Miller
said. “I leave you with Proverbs 4.67: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”

Then he explained why he did so.

“Wisdom is supreme,” Miller said. “As I look into the eyes of these visionaries, I see that you guys are on a mission. When you look into the mirror, just know you are your only competition. Whatever you can dream of, you can make it come true. Just have a plan and a purpose. Do what you love, operate with integrity and hold yourself accountable. Never abandon your dream and always be brave.

“The future is yours. It’s in your hands. Now go show the world what Grambling [State] greatness looks like.”’