Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University has been recognized as a CASE Standards Contributor, a distinction awarded to institutions that actively engage in key CASE Insights benchmarking surveys.
This recognition highlights Grambling State’s commitment to transparency, data-driven decision-making, and advancing best practices in philanthropy and alumni engagement.
By contributing insights that inform national and global standards, Grambling State reinforces its leadership in institutional advancement. The university’s participation in CASE benchmarking not only strengthens its own fundraising and engagement strategies but also helps shape the broader landscape of educational philanthropy.
Grambling State’s impact in the advancement space is backed by strong data:
- First-Time Investors – The university has seen a 31% increase in net new investors over the past fiscal year, reinforcing its leadership in HBCU fundraising.
- Investor Retention – Grambling State has achieved an 89% increase in investor retention, reflecting strengthened relationships with philanthropic partners.
- Alumni Engagement – With an alumni giving rate of 69%, Grambling State is setting the benchmark for sustained alumni support in the HBCU community.
- Endowed Scholarship Growth – The number of new endowed scholarships has grown by 114% in the last fiscal year, ensuring long-term sustainability for scholarships and institutional priorities.
- Scholarship Impact – The university has achieved a 192% increase in the number of scholarships awarded, expanding access to educational opportunities for deserving students.
- Corporate and Foundation Partnerships – The university has experienced a 71% increase in corporate partnerships, fueling investments in key academic and student success initiatives.
“Our participation in CASE Insights reflects our strategic approach to philanthropy and engagement,” said Brandon A. Logan, Vice President of University Advancement, and Innovation. “This recognition highlights our commitment to not just meeting industry standards, but actively contributing to the future of educational advancement. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with others who share our vision for data-driven impact.”
Gregory Smith, who was successful for 44 years as an accountant, implemented two ERP systems with JD Edwards and SAP (System Applications and Products). He enjoyed his time seeing familiar faces and reflected on how he chose his profession.
“My first assignment was to go to the library and look in the occupational handbook.” “The first occupation I saw was accounting,” Smith said. “I was good at bookkeeping so I decided on accounting as my major and I do not regret it,” Smith said.
Smith also expressed his inspiration from motivational speakers and moments that have changed his life.
“The guest speakers were the best experiences for me. We had Angela Davis, Dick Gregory, and Vine Deloria Jr,” Smith said. “My first year of college 10 football players were drafted into the NFL. Eddie Robinson and President Emerson Jones put Grambling on the map.”
As the day ended, the beginning of a beautiful night began. The Golden Graduates danced the night away at The Golden Experience. A night of smiles, laughter, and new memories were added to their Grambling experience.
Ethyl Moy-Moore is a successful tax accountant in Monroe, Louisiana. She was thrilled to see the innovative changes made at Grambling State University.
“Being an educator or a secretary were the only options for women during my time. My goal was to finish high school, go to trade school, and get a job,” Moy-Moore said.
When Moy-Moore recognized that she had top grades in her class during high school. A teacher recognized her excellence and pushed her to consider college. Her teacher’s husband was a professor at tech, where she was accepted but Moy-Moore was interested in Grambling College.
“I told my teacher if I was going to a college I was going Grambling,” Moy-Moore said.
The teacher’s husband connected with professors at Grambling which led to her acceptance and success.
“I did not plan on being at Grambling long, but when I finally got there I quickly changed my mind,” Moy-Moore said. “I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During that time Accounting was a male-dominated major,” Moy-Moore said. “The dean wanted to meet me and Minnie Ethridge-Beal, the two women graduating at the top of accounting. He told us usually no one has graduated in accounting less than 5 years, he was not sure if we could graduate. After three years and two summers, I and Ethridge-Beal completed accounting with magna cum laude and cume laude.”
Remonia Hudson, a native of Grambling, Louisiana, raised three daughters during her years as a GSU student. After the workforce, Husdon decided to further her education by attending Grambling College. Being a non-traditional student while being a mother, Hudson pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., graduated cum laude, and received two master’s degrees.
“I had my first child at 16,” Hudson said. “After getting married and having two more children I worked for four years. After nickeling and diming from my job I decided that that lifestyle was not for me and my family. My routine became going to class, seeing my children, and going to work,” Hudson said. “It was not easy but with family support, support from my sorority, and the grace of God I made it through. I have always told my children that getting an education is a guaranteed way to success. Grambling has allowed me to go farther. Age, gender, and circumstances do not limit you to what you can do.”
Hudson’s daughter De’Varia Ponton was elated to stand beside her mother to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her college graduation.
“She started a legacy for us. She was the first to graduate in the family,” Ponton said. “We are all graduates with advanced degrees and I can thank my mom for blazing that path. She has a granddaughter here at Grambling now that crossed Delta Iota.” “It is not if you go to college, it is where and Grambling is the place to be.”
Seeing their wives, husbands, children, and grandchildren who were not present 50 years ago made those hours of traveling worthwhile. Their families watched a line of Golden achievers walk in and take their place in Grambling State University’s Spring 2024 Commencement Exercise.
Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields presented the graduates with an impactful and encouraging speech. The moment finally came when everything the graduates overcame and conquered was worth it as they received their commemorative 50th anniversary degrees. Including a granddaughter participant accepting a diploma on the behalf of her late grandmother Carolyn Collier.
The graduates ended their Golden experience at McCall Dining Hall with a Luncheon presented by SodexoMagic. While some graduates won gift cards from SodexoMagic, the greatest award was the $17,590.00 gift given by the Class of 1974 to their alma mater.
