Florida Franklin PR Photo Spring 15
Florida Franklin is one of 27 members of Grambling’s Honors College who will graduate on May 8.

GRAMBLING, LA – Grambling State University honored 27 graduating members of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College during a luncheon on April 30.

Eleven members received medallions that represent the highest recognition given by the Honors College. The distinctions include gold medallions for those graduating Summa Cum Laude, silver medallions for those graduating Magna Cum Laude and bronze medallions for those graduating Cum Laude and/or have demonstrated outstanding student leadership.

Students graduating with Medallion Distinction are: Florida Franklin, Jonesville, La. (Gold); Burgundy Hammond, Alexandria, La. (Bronze); Corey Howard, Arlington, Texas (Bronze); Derasha Myers, Farmersville, Texas (Silver); Rebecca Nakiwolo, Bugembe, Uganda (Bronze); Mosunmola Shobowale, Arokuta, Nigeria (Bronze); Tierra Smith, Houston, Texas (Bronze); Tiara Thomas, Eunice, La. (Bronze); Christina Ubaka, Dominica, West Indies (Bronze); Johnathan Williams, Tampa, Fla. (Bronze); and Ebony Wilson, Shreveport, La. (Bronze).

“We are extremely proud of all of our graduates,” said Ellen Smiley, dean of the Honors College. “They have distinguished themselves by being exemplary scholars, leaders and service-oriented, self-motivated individuals. Now, they will continue their journey as they become productive citizens who will enter graduate, professional school and the world of work.”

Smiley identified Florida Franklin and Corey Howard as two of the top Honors College graduates of 2015.

“Our top Honors College graduate this semester is Florida Franklin from Jonesville, Louisiana. Florida plans to attend Southern University Law School,” she said.

“Another outstanding student is Corey Howard from Arlington, Texas. Corey represented the university as a student leader. He served as president of the senior class and was one of two students who represented the Honors College at the Southern Regional Honors Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. He now plans to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California or Syracuse University,” she said.

Smiley also recognized Tierra Smith of Houston, Texas, who was recently selected as the 2015 Student Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists, and Tiara Thomas, Miss Cover Girl 2013-2014, as distinguished graduates from the Honors College Class of 2015.

“Grambling State University has given these students a firm foundation. The sky is the limit for their future success,” Smiley said.

###

Media Contact:
Office of Communications
318-274-2866
mediarelations@gram.edu