Grambling, Louisiana – May 7, 2019 – Grambling State University’s 2019 will feature a rare occurrence with a father and daughter who will receive their degrees just minutes apart. Leartrice and Lear Hawkins are both candidates to receive their Masters of Criminal Justice at the University’s 2019 Spring Commencement, May 10.

“The Hawkins family members are truly GramFam,” said President Gallot, who is also a multi-generation graduate. “One of best sources of students and greatest areas of pride are those sent to us by alumni who believe in our university. They understand the enormous benefits of attending an HBCU.”

Leartrice and his daughter Lear are both alumni of Grambling State University, graduating in 1967 and 2003 with their bachelors degrees in Political Science and Biology respectively. This Friday, they will be cheered on by more than a few family members who have also attended the University as Grambling College, Grambling University, and  Grambling State University.
For more than twelve months, dad and daughter have studied together in the place where Leartrice and his wife earned their first degrees together more than 40 years ago. “We made Grambling State University our home,” says Mr. Hawkins.

To share your graduation story, email mediarelations@gram.edu.