(Black PR Wire) Albany State University (ASU) celebrated its 2024 Fall Commencement on Saturday, December 14, where nearly 800 students proudly became official alumni. The Albany Civic Center buzzed with excitement as graduates, families, and faculty gathered for two ceremonies marking this major milestone.

The keynote speaker, John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., delivered an inspiring address. As a leading expert in financial literacy and economic inclusion, Mr. Bryant encouraged graduates to embrace the future with purpose, confidence, and vision. In a surprise announcement, he pledged $1.85 million to ASU graduates, part of a larger initiative by Shopify to foster one million Black-owned businesses in America. Seventy-five graduates, chosen by the university, will each receive a $25,000 grant along with resources to launch their entrepreneurial journeys.

The resources include:

• Free domain name ownership and website setup
• A Shopify e-commerce account, payment system, and expert guidance
• Two-hour mentoring sessions with an attorney, accountant, and business manager
• Credit score counseling through Operation HOPE
• A cohort consultation with Mr. Bryant

Many graduates are already achieving remarkable success, securing job offers or advancing their education including:

• Nia Williams, a Jackson, Mississippi native, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Information Assurance. She has accepted a position with CrowdStrike, a leading global cybersecurity company, as an Associate Governance, Risk, and Compliance Specialist.
• Lauryn Ivery, a Snellville, Georgia native, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has been accepted to Georgia State University in pursuit of a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
• Joel Felton, an Albany, Georgia native, earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and will begin his career as a Logistics Management Specialist at Warner Robins Air Force Base.