New Orleans, La. – The 2025 Kicks Ball Gala, presented by adidas, delivered an evening defined by elegance, unity, and a profound sense of purpose. With a sold-out audience and a ballroom filled with anticipation, alumni, partners, investors, and friends of Grambling State University came together at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans to celebrate tradition, excellence, and impact.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere spoke for itself—elevated décor, striking honoree displays, and the unmistakable warmth of the GramFam gathering with intention. Emcee Ya’Lisha Gatewood set the tone with a powerful reminder of why the community gathers each year: “Tonight, we celebrate the transformative power of education,” Gatewood said. “And the collective commitment that brings us together in this room tonight.”That shared commitment was evident as Grambling State President Martin Lemelle, Jr. reflected on Grambling State’s legacy and forward momentum.
“Thank you all so much for supporting Grambling State University,” Lemelle said. “Since 1901, we have been building pathways and possibilities for students in the state of Louisiana, and currently, we are ranked the number one institution in the state of Louisiana for social and economic mobility.”
The gala’s driving purpose—the GAP Scholarship Fund—became a central thread of the evening. Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation, Brandon A. Logan, emphasized its transformative impact. “What a night,” Logan said. “This room is filled with pride, purpose, and possibility. From the powerful stories to the unmatched energy, we’re doing more than educating students. We are transforming lives and economic futures. Since its inception, the GAP Scholarship Fund has awarded over $1.36 million to help more than 1,600 students stay enrolled and on track to graduate. You’ve reminded us why Grambling State University is the place where everybody is somebody.”
Logan also acknowledged the event’s growing momentum.
“The consistency of the turnout has been awesome,” Logan said. “We’ve seen increases year over year, and it’s a testament to what the institution is doing and where the institution is going.”
The evening’s honorees further illustrated the profound impact of leadership, service, and vision within the Grambling State community.
Honoring a Cohort of Excellence
Student Excellence Award — Nyic’Quavayion Willis
Raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nyic’Quavayion Willis is a senior criminal justice major with a 4.0 GPA, Chapter President of the Gamma Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a Student Ambassador for the Center for Academic Excellence.
His advocacy spans civic engagement, national policy, and nonprofit leadership through roles with the Campus Vote Project, Caleb W. Hazzing Prevention Task Force, the Congressional Black Caucus, and The HBCU Promise.
He leads with purpose and lives by a commitment to justice, empowerment, and service—making him a standout recipient of the Student Excellence Award.
Service Excellence Award — Janice Critton
A native of Heflin, Louisiana, Janice Critton has dedicated over 40 years to helping students navigate their journey from matriculation to graduation.
A 1979 cum laude graduate of Grambling State, she built a distinguished career in the Financial Aid Office, supporting families across generations with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Critton is also a devoted civic servant, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a woman whose life is rooted in faith. Her legacy of service embodies the heart of the Service Excellence Award.
Business Excellence Award — Denise Young
A trailblazer in every sense, Denise Young spent more than two decades at Apple, rising to Vice President under Steve Jobs and becoming the first African American to reach the company’s C-suite.
She later served as Executive in Residence at Cornell Tech, advising global leaders on innovation and the future of work. Young also leads in the arts and civic life as Director and Chair of the Board of SFJAZZ and as a trustee for iconic creative institutions. Recognized as a “Most Powerful Woman” by multiple national publications, she perfectly reflects the spirit of the Business Excellence Award.
Community Changemaker Award — Strada Education Foundation
Strada Education Foundation supports post-secondary success by investing in pathways between education and career.
Through its HBCU Initiative, Strada has invested $25 million across nearly 48 Historically Black Colleges and Universities—providing scholarships, leadership development, and workforce preparation.
Led by Daryl A. Graham, whose work spans corporate strategy and nonprofit leadership, Strada’s investment in Grambling State students and their futures exemplifies the Community Changemaker Award.
Brandon Logan reflected on the honoree cohort with admiration that resonated across the room.
“Nyic’Quavayion is one of the brightest stars in the galaxy,” Logan said. “Janice Critton is an engine behind helping students get to and through Grambling State University. Strada Education is investing not only in our students but in their development. And Denise Young is the perfect reminder that Grambling State University is synonymous with FIRST.”
A Performance that Elevated the Night
As guests transitioned from the awards to the entertainment portion of the evening, the energy shifted from admiration to pure celebration. The legendary R&B trio SWV took the stage, delivering a performance that brought the ballroom to life. Their unmistakable harmonies and iconic hits—including “Weak,” “Right Here,” and “I’m So Into You”—filled the room with nostalgia, joy, and an electric sense of togetherness.
With the night’s final moments unfolding, the collective spirit of GramFam was unmistakable: united, hopeful, and ready for what comes next.
“The best days for Grambling State University are ahead,” said Logan. “We’re excited to be a part of that journey and really looking forward to seeing what comes next for the institution.”
