LORMAN, Miss. – The cord colors and the jerseys were different, but the walk across the stage meant the same thing. But in the end, it was all about the Purple and Gold… and Braves Family.
 
A total of 58 Alcorn State University student-athletes earned their degrees Saturday, May 9, participating in one of two commencement ceremonies held on the Lorman, Mississippi, campus – a milestone that reflects something bigger than wins, losses or records.
 
For Alcorn, graduating its student-athletes isn't a footnote to the athletic program.
 
It's THE point.
 
"We talk a lot about preparing our young people for life beyond sports," said E. D'Wayne Robinson, Alcorn Director of Athletics. "We want them to be prepared for everything life can throw at them, from all directions. When they leave Alcorn, they're prepared for life, as a whole."
 
The Spring 2026 graduating class of student-athletes leaves behind a legacy built on commitment, resilience, and an unwavering standard of excellence. Across every program, these individuals have represented more than just their teams, but they have represented what it means to truly be a Braves student-athlete wearing the Purple and Gold.
 
Balancing academics and athletics at the collegiate level requires a level of discipline that few fully understand. Early morning workouts, practice sessions, film study, travel demands, and academic responsibilities often compete for the same hours in a day.
 
Yet this group consistently rose to the challenge.
 
"We don't shy away from the fact that our student-athletes go through a lot, on the field of competition and in the classroom," added Dr. Jivanna Smith, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services. "Along with Angel Brooks-Thomas and our incredible faculty across campus, we try our best to connect with these young women and men, and challenge them to be prepared for after graduation, just as much as for the special day."
 
On the field, court, and track, they competed with intensity and pride.
 
In the classroom, they remained focused on their long-term goals, understanding that success extends beyond competition. Their journey reflects countless unseen hours which include quiet work, personal sacrifice, and a shared commitment to growth.
 
For many, Saturday marked the finish line of a balancing act years in the making.
 
Alcorn has long emphasized academic achievement alongside athletic competition, and under the direction of President Dr. Tracy M. Cook, continuing to move that needle remains a priority as the program grows.
 
As they transition into the next phase of life, whether in graduate school, professional careers, or continued athletic pursuits, they carry forward the same habits that brought them success by donning the Purple and Gold in their athletic ventures.
 
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