Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University was formally honored Wednesday by the Louisiana Legislature during resolution presentations in both the Louisiana House and Senate Chambers at the Louisiana State Capitol.
The resolutions commemorated three defining moments in Grambling State University’s history: 125 years since the University’s founding, 100 years of Tiger Athletics, and 100 years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band.
Together, the anniversaries reflect the University’s longstanding contributions to education, athletics, music, culture, and public life in Louisiana and beyond.
Receiving the resolutions were Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., President of Grambling State University on behalf of the University; Dr. Trayvean Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics on behalf of Tiger Athletics; and Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Director of Bands on behalf of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band.
The House resolution was authored by State Rep. Rashid Young, and the Senate resolution was authored by State Sen. W. Jay Luneau. The University extends its appreciation to Representative Young, Senator Luneau, Sen. Edward J. Price and members of the Louisiana Legislature for recognizing Grambling State’s multiversary year and its continued contributions to the state, the region, and generations of students and alumni.
“We are deeply grateful to the Louisiana Legislature for recognizing this defining moment in Grambling State University’s history,” Lemelle, Jr. said. “At the intersection of 125 years of the University, 100 years of Tiger Athletics, and 100 years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band is a story of excellence, culture, opportunity, and pride. With more than 40,000 alumni, over 5,000 current students, and $212 million in annual economic impact, Grambling State continues to move Louisiana and the world forward. From Super Bowl stages to hundreds of Tigers advancing to the professional ranks, we produce champions, graduate leaders, and prepare students for life.”
Founded in 1901, Grambling State University has grown from its roots as a small industrial school into one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For 125 years, the university has expanded access to higher education, prepared graduates for leadership, and contributed to the educational, cultural, economic, and civic life of Louisiana and the nation.
Tiger Athletics, now celebrating its centennial, has long been one of the university’s most visible expressions of excellence, opportunity, and pride. From generations of student-athletes and coaches to alumni, fans, and supporters, Grambling State Athletics has built a tradition recognized across the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Louisiana, and the national sports landscape.
“For 100 years, Tiger Athletics has been a source of pride and possibility for Grambling State University,” said Dr. Trayvean Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “This recognition honors the student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and fans who helped build a tradition rooted in excellence, discipline, resilience, and Grambling pride.”
The World Famed Tiger Marching Band, also celebrating 100 years, remains one of the most iconic collegiate bands in the country. Known for its precision, musicianship, showmanship, and cultural influence, the band has represented Grambling State on some of the world’s most prominent stages while shaping the sound and spirit of the university.
“The World Famed Tiger Marching Band is one of Grambling State University’s most treasured traditions,” said Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Director of Bands. “For a century, the band has represented musical excellence, culture, discipline, and Grambling pride. We are grateful to see this legacy recognized as part of the university’s multiversary celebration.”
During the Capitol visit, President Lemelle also participated in legislative meetings with state leaders to discuss university priorities, strategic initiatives, and opportunities for continued partnership.
The legislative recognition is one of several commemorative moments taking place during Grambling State University’s 2026 multiversary celebration. Additional events and activities will continue throughout the year to honor the university’s founding and the centennial anniversaries of Tiger Athletics and the World Famed Tiger Marching Band.
