First class of Grambling State alumni to be honored during Golden Grads celebration
GRAMBLING, La. — Grambling State University will honor a historic milestone this spring as members of the Class of 1975 — the first graduates to earn their degrees under the university’s new name — return to campus for their 50th anniversary celebration. Known as Golden Graduates, they will be recognized during the Spring 2025 Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 9, at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
The Golden Grads celebration not only marks a milestone for the Class of 1975 but also honors the legacy of leadership, resilience, and achievement that continues to define Grambling State University.
As the first graduates to cross the stage under the Grambling State University name, the Class of 1975 helped usher in a bold new era — one defined by academic excellence, expanded opportunities, and a growing national influence.
Throughout the weekend, the university will host a series of events honoring the Golden Grads and celebrating their contributions. Highlights include a guided campus tour, offering alumni a firsthand look at the growth and transformation that has shaped Grambling State’s identity.
The celebration is more than a reflection of the past; it is a bridge to the future. Today’s graduates will stand alongside the trailblazers who paved the way, drawing inspiration from their stories of perseverance, purpose, and pride. Together, they embody the spirit of Grambling State — a legacy built across generations.
Among the distinguished members of the Golden Class are Senator Edward J. “Ed” Price, who currently represents District 2 in the Louisiana State Senate and has dedicated his career to public service, and Sheila Loeb, the first woman elected as SGA President at Grambling State. After graduation, Loeb continued her legacy of leadership in education as a teacher at Eunice High School. Both exemplify the values of service, leadership, and impact that define the Grambling experience.
The Golden Grads celebration will culminate with a special recognition at Commencement, honoring the Class of 1975 or their historic achievement and the enduring example they set for generations to come. Their legacy continues to shape Grambling State’s future, inspiring every graduate to lead, serve, and build on the foundation they helped create.