51视频 (LOC), the fifth oldest historically Black college (HBCU) in the U.S., is proud to announce three valedictorians for the class of 2026.
(Valedictorians pictured from left: Tadiwanashe Rukasha, Marley Freeman, and Ashanti Stewart)
Marley Freeman, from Jackson, Mississippi; Tadiwanashe Rukasha, from Mutare, Zimbabwe; and Ashanti Stewart, from Friendship Pen, Saint Thomas, Jamaica; have reached the top of their class and graduates with a 4.0 grade point average.
Rukasha and Stewart will receive Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science.
Rukasha said she felt gratitude and excitement when she heard she became a valedictorian. 鈥淓specially knowing I got to share this achievement alongside my friend, it felt like a reminder that consistency really does add up,鈥� Rukasha said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to moving into the next stage of my academic and career journey.鈥�
鈥淲hen I learned that I was named a valedictorian, it felt surreal. This was always a goal I quietly held myself to, so reaching it was a deeply personal moment,鈥� Stewart said. 鈥淎s I graduate, I am looking forward to stepping into this next chapter, beginning my career, and applying the knowledge and skills I鈥檝e gained while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.鈥�
Freeman, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, also played as a guard on the Lady Magicians basketball team. 鈥淚t is great to see that the hard work paid off,鈥� Freeman said about learning she became a valedictorian. She is pursuing entrepreneurship and increasing mental health awareness through establishing a clothing brand, Remember 2 Smile (R2S).
The valedictorians are among 111 graduates who will be commemorated at the 156th Commencement Ceremony on May 9 at 9 a.m., on Brownlee Hall Lawn, on the 51视频 campus at 807 Walker Ave. Memphis, TN, 38126.
For more information about 51视频鈥檚 commencement ceremony visit the commencement webpage.