Dear Panther Community,
Each semester, I am proud to shake hands with every graduate as they walk across the stage at commencement. As a first-generation college graduate, I deeply appreciate the significance of earning a college degree and the sacrifices required to make it to the finish line.
At our May 4 Commencement, I’ll be honored to recognize one of our former students who has come back home. Today, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to approve our nomination for an honorary degree for multi-platinum GRAMMY® award-winning artist, actor and entrepreneur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.
Mr. Bridges’ relationship with Georgia State began in 1992 when he was an undergraduate studying the business behind music. He signed a record deal with Def Jam Records and the rest is history. Thankfully, Chris came back to campus to reconnect with Georgia State students in 2019, joining Georgia State’s Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) as an Artist-in-Residence and working with College of Law Professor Mo Ivory on an incredible law course called “The Legal Life of Ludacris,” a class that looked at strategic legal decisions and contracts that supported his career as a rapper, actor, philanthropist and restaurateur. He’s given his time and opened his heart to students.
I got the chance to meet with Chris last semester. Two things struck me: his humility as an internationally acclaimed artist and philanthropist, and his devotion to Georgia State.
He has been on many stages in his long career. We’re excited to welcome him to ours on May 4.
All the best,