At times our university can be portrayed to the media in a negative stance, but Tuesday night’s event entitled GRAMFAM Rocks credited select students that have taken the time to not only excel in their studies but make a difference around campus as well.
The event was hosted and coordinated by Miss Junior Burgundy Hammond. Following the introduction by Hammond, Miss Sophomore Joiya Smith provided a prayer. Next up was a soulful selection entitled ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’ by Mariah Carey sung by student Jazmin Hobdy.
In order to be chosen for an award, honored individuals had to be nominated by either one of their peers, a faculty member, or either themselves.
Awards for the night were presented to those who have made an inspiration to others as well as maintain an impressive grade point average, student leadership, and those who administer countless community service hours.
Junior Florida Banks received an award for not only being active here at GSU, but for attaining a grade point average of a 3.90.
The most acclaimed award for the night was given to graduating senior Travis Donald. To say that the New Orleans native has been industrious around the university is an understatement. Not only has Donald worked for GSU’s TV Center as a producer, he has interviewed actor Tyler Perry, assisted with rapper Pharell Williams’ production team, and just recently returned from his hometown while working at the 2014 NBA AllStar Weekend.
Guest speaker for the evening was Attorney Ingrid F. Johnson, Grambling alumna (class of 1996, magnum cum laude, BS- Criminal Justice, minor in Spanish). Attorney Johnson’s righteous speech was opened with her saying “Silence all critics. Prove all naysayers wrong.” Her most influential advice to everyone was to make sure they understood to work twice as hard as the competition in order to succeed. “If someone was vying for the same thing I was and he/she read one hundred pages of a book, I read two hundred pages. If he/she worked eight hours, I made sure to work sixteen hours.”
Following Johnson’s speech was an eye opening poem entitled ‘Change’ by student Travis Matthews Jr.
Closing the ceremony, Miss Junior thanked everyone for attending, and handed Attorney Johnson a token of appreciation for not only speaking at the event, but for being a positive role model in her life after she lost her mother while still in high school.
Junior Florida Banks received an award for not only being active here at GSU, but for attaining a grade point average of a 3.90.
The most acclaimed award for the night was given to graduating senior Travis Donald. To say that the New Orleans native has been industrious around the university is an understatement. Not only has Donald worked for GSU’s TV Center as a producer, he has interviewed actor Tyler Perry, assisted with rapper Pharell Williams’ production team, and just recently returned from his hometown while working at the 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Guest speaker for the evening was Attorney Ingrid F. Johnson, Grambling alumna (class of 1996, magnum cum laude, BS- Criminal Justice, minor in Spanish). Attorney Johnson’s righteous speech was opened with her saying “Silence all critics. Prove all naysayers wrong.” Her most influential advice to everyone was to make sure they understood to work twice as hard as the competition in order to succeed. “If someone was vying for the same thing I was and he/she read one hundred pages of a book, I read two hundred pages. If he/she worked eight hours, I made sure to work sixteen hours.”
Following Johnson’s speech was an eye opening poem entitled ‘Change’ by student Travis Matthews Jr.
Closing the ceremony, Miss Junior thanked everyone for attending, and handed Attorney Johnson a token of appreciation for not only speaking at the event, but for being a positive role model in her life after she lost her mother while still in high school.