Grambling State University Athletics

Carlton Hamlin

The Grambling State University Department of Athletics hosted its Spring 2021 graduate recognition stole ceremony.

GSU Dept. of Athletics hosts Spring '21 graduate recognition stole ceremony

35 student-athletes, 11 student workers and 3 coaches received degrees at GSU's commencement ceremonies

4/14/2021 5:29:00 PM

By: Habtom Keleta-Asst. AD for Media Relations

GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University Department of Athletics recently hosted a graduation recognition ceremony at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center for its spring 2021 student-athlete graduates and coaches. A total of 35 student-athletes, 11 student workers and three coaches received degrees during this week's commencement ceremonies.

GSU Director of Athletics Dr. David Ponton presents student-athletes stoles at the graduation ceremony.

GSU Director of Athletics Dr. David Ponton presents student-athletes stoles at the graduation ceremony.

Graduates from the following programs were presented with stoles: baseball, women's basketball, women's bowling, football, women's soccer, women's softball, men's and women's track and field and women's volleyball.

GSU President Rick Gallot speaks to student-athletes at the Spring graduate recognition stole ceremony.

GSU President Rick Gallot speaks to student-athletes at the Spring graduate recognition stole ceremony.

GSU President Richard J. Gallot, Jr. along with GSU Director of Athletics Dr. David Ponton delivered remarks as they shared motivational words for the spring '21 graduates while GSU Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Bobby Burkes included comments.

GSU Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Merlene Aitken-Smith speaks at the spring graduation recognition stole ceremony.

GSU Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Merlene Aitken-Smith speaks at the spring graduation recognition stole ceremony.

"Graduation is one of the most exciting moments for me as an athletic administrator," said GSU Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Merlene Aitken-Smith. "The opportunity to issue athletic stoles to our athletes is one of the proudest moments in higher education. This momentous occasion resulted from the athletes' hard work and commitment to their academic and athletic responsibilities. 2020-21 is a historical and unusual time for student-athletes and athletic administrators due to COVID-19. Our athletes are resilient and fought through the emotional ups and downs as they navigated taking their courses online to adjusting their playing and practice activities that COVID-19 directly impacted," explained Aitken-Smith.

GSU student-athletes at the spring graduation recognition stole ceremony.

GSU student-athletes at the spring graduation recognition stole ceremony.

She added, "some of our graduates are returning to Grambling to enroll in our graduate studies program to utilize their additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA. Some athletes have secured opportunities beyond Grambling State University to advance their careers. We will miss our students, but we know they are prepared to excel and represent Grambling State University. Congratulations to all our GSU graduates."

GSU President Rick Gallot along with A.D. Ponton present at the Spring graduation recognition ceremony.

GSU President Rick Gallot along with A.D. Ponton present at the Spring graduation recognition ceremony.

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