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 Spring 2026 — this is your time.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM CST
Line of March: 9:45 AM CST
Venue: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center
100 North Stadium Drive
Grambling, LA 71245
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
Thomas and Joyce Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship
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
Entrepreneur, CEO & Founder, New York Times Best-Selling Author
Fawn Weaver is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of leadership experience and a track record of building category-defining brands. She is the CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest, Inc., the company behind Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey—the most awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019–2024 and the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand in history. She also built Nearest Green Distillery, the home of Uncle Nearest and the first in the world to honor a Black American. It is the fastest-growing, top-rated on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, and the 7th most visited distillery in the world out of nearly 4,000.
Weaver is one of only five African American women in U.S. history to found and lead a company valued at $1B or more. A popular TED speaker and two-time New York Times best-selling author, her leadership and story have been profiled in Forbes, The New York Times, CNBC, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Fox Business, Inc., and NPR’s How I Built This.
She is certified as a Corporate Director by Harvard Business School, graduated summa
cum laude from the University of Alabama, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Humanities
from Bluefield State. She is currently at Harvard Business School pursuing her Master
of Finance, where two case studies have been taught on her and her businesses. She
served on the board of Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR), including its audit committee,
for four years until its $13B take-private in 2025.
FOR GUESTS
As families, friends, alumni, and supporters arrive at Grambling State University for Spring 2026 commencement exercises on May 15, 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.