Grambling, LA – Grambling State University is proud to announce Brianna Phillips, a 21-year-old senior Kinesiology major, as the valedictorian of the Spring Class of 2016. She will graduate with a 3.98-grade point average at 10 a.m. Friday, May 13th at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
“I am completely shocked!” Phillips said, “I wasn’t expecting this, but I am very excited.”
Brianna Phillips is a native of Fairfield, California and the daughter of Charles and Desiree Phillips. “I chose to attend Grambling because I have always wanted to go to an HBCU and I was accepted on the spot at a Black College Fair while I was in high school and the fact that my older sister was already here at Grambling made my decision even easier,” says Phillips.
She mentioned that her family is in complete awe and overjoyed. Brianna explains, “My family was overwhelmed, my mother started crying, and of course my mom posted it on Facebook.”
When asked how she prepared herself for this unexpected honor, Brianna replied, “I studied hard and I never skipped class.” She continued by saying studying comes naturally for her. “It wasn’t hard for me because I’m naturally studious; I just made sure I wasn’t negatively influenced.”
When not studying, Brianna was involved with various on-campus organizations. She is an active member of the Alpha Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she also volunteered with the Student Athletic Trainers on campus.
Her advice to the incoming 2016 fall freshman: “Don’t be influenced by your peers, go to class, sit up front, and take notes.”
Brianna would like to thank a few staff and faculty that contributed to her success. Phillips says, “I would like to thank all of my professors over the years, and the Kinesiology faculty, specifically Dr. Simmons, Dr. Carter and Ms. Russell for always having an open door whenever I needed help.”
Additional Information:
- Grambling State University Provides Guidelines, Information for 2016 Spring Commencement Events
- GSU Alumnus Thomas Moorehead 2016 Spring Commencement Speaker
- Brianna Phillips Named Grambling State University’s 2016 Spring Valedictorian
- Class of 1966 Reunion
- Spring 2016 Torch Night
After graduation, Brianna Phillips will pursue a law degree focusing on Entertainment or Business law in her home state of California.
###
Media Contact:
Office of Communications
318-274-2866
mediarelations@gram.edu