DISTINGUISHED 10 ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY

The Center for Career and Professional Development at Grambling State University celebrated its inaugural cohort of The Distinguished 10 with an award ceremony, bringing a new level of recognition to its annual Homecoming celebrations. The Distinguished 10 Award was established to honor alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in their fields and communities. Each honoree exemplifies the university's legacy of excellence, with accomplishments that inspire the Grambling State community and embody the values that define our mission.

The inaugural cohort reflects the diversity and impact of Grambling State alumni. Honoree Patricia Cage Bibbs, a celebrated figure in women’s basketball, has left an indelible mark through her coaching achievements and numerous awards, including inductions into the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame and the SWAC Hall of Fame. Kyrus Branch, a 2003 graduate, has made significant contributions to law enforcement as the East District Patrol Deputy Chief in Arlington, Texas, alongside his work as an educator in criminal justice.

Dr. Farrah Gafford Cambrice, a sociology professor at Prairie View A&M University, was recognized for her influential research on race, disaster recovery, and community resilience. Dr. Evelyn Ford Crayton, a 1968 graduate and a trailblazer in the field of nutrition, has served as the first African American President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and continues to mentor future leaders in dietetics through her work at Living Well Associates, LLC.

Entrepreneurship and business innovation were highlighted through Laphilia Nicole Davis, founder and CEO of Butler-Davis Tax & Accounting, who has more than two decades of experience in tax strategy and accounting. At Microsoft Philanthropies, La Shanda Hurst’s role as Business Program Manager exemplifies her dedication to philanthropy, community engagement, and the advancement of diversity within the technology sector. Prince Hutchinson, a specialist at State Farm, continues to elevate the profile of HBCUs through his leadership in talent acquisition and STEM engagement.

The inaugural class also celebrated educators like Dr. Joslin Mar-Dai Pickens, Chair of the Communication and General Studies Department at Southern University at Shreveport, and Dr. Lamarr Shields, Co-Founder of the Cambio Group, whose work with youth education and advocacy is reshaping learning environments for Black and Latino students. Lastly, Dr. Melva K. Wallace, the seventh President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, was recognized for her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing higher education within the HBCU community.

The Distinguished 10 Award Ceremony commemorated the achievements of these alumni whose careers exemplify the transformative potential of a Grambling State education. The honorees’ accomplishments serve as a beacon for current students, alumni, and the broader community, reinforcing the university’s mission to produce leaders who impact their industries and inspire the world.