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Grambling State University will welcome Emmy Award-winning actress, director, singer and author Jasmine Guy as the commencement speaker for its Fall 2026 Commencement on Friday, December 4, at 10 a.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Guy is widely known for her iconic portrayal of Whitley Gilbert on the groundbreaking television series A Different World, a role that helped define one of television’s most enduring portrayals of life at a historically Black college. She now reprises the role in Netflix’s new A Different World sequel series, which returned audiences to Hillman College this fall with a new generation of students.
In 2024, Guy received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her performance as Barbara Baldwin in Chronicles of Jessica Wu.
“Jasmine Guy’s career is a powerful example of excellence, versatility and purpose,” said Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “Her work shapes culture and inspires generations, including students and graduates across the HBCU community. We are honored to welcome her to Grambling State as we celebrate the Fall Class of 2026 and the next chapter in their journeys.”
“I grew up in the shadow of Morehouse College and have admired Grambling State from afar for many years as one of our most revered and celebrated HBCUs,” Guy said. “I am both honored and excited to be speaking at this fall’s commencement, and hopefully I’ll get to hear that fabulous World Famed Tiger Marching Band. Geaux Tigers!”
Guy’s career spans television, film, Broadway, music, writing and directing. Her television and film credits include Grey’s Anatomy, The Vampire Diaries, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, School Daze and Harlem Nights. Her Broadway career includes performances in Grease, The Wiz and Chicago.
Guy’s forthcoming memoir, A Different Girl, co-written with her daughter, Imani Guy Duckette, will be released February 9, 2027, and is available for preorder wherever books are sold. She is also the author of Evolution of a Revolutionary, which chronicles the life of activist Afeni Shakur, and has toured nationally in the one-woman production Raisin’ Cane, exploring the literature, music and cultural landscape of the Harlem Renaissance.
Her connection to higher education and HBCUs has remained an important part of her work. Throughout 2024 and 2025, Guy joined fellow A Different World cast members at HBCUs across the country to celebrate and recognize the contributions of the institutions. In 2025, Ohio Wesleyan University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
Grambling State University’s Fall 2026 Commencement will celebrate graduates as they mark the completion of their academic journeys and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Fall 2026 Commencement: Friday, December 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. Additional commencement information and updates are available at gram.edu/graduation.
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