Grambling State University’s more than 400 Spring Graduates will include one student who became a mom to three sons on the way to her goal. Auset Champion, at age 23, is set to graduate with her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice on May 10, 2019, at the University’s Spring Commencement.
“Graduating period feels like a huge accomplishment for me,” said Ms. Champion. “I watched my mom raise five children as a single mother and that motivated me to make better circumstances for my children and their future.”
Beating the Odds
Reports from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research show that number of single mothers enrolled in college doubled between 2000 and 2012. Data from the National Center for Educational Statistics reports that only 20 percent of these mothers graduate within six years.
For Champion, she says her support network has made all of the difference.
“I had help from my mother and grandmother. They are my support system. They are so amazing,” said Champion.
Champion gave birth to her first son, Trenston when she was a teen. During her freshman year at Grambling State, she discovered she was pregnant with triplets and was later hospitalized for the months that led up to delivery. After giving birth and losing one of her triplet sons to health complications, she chose to return to Grambling State the following fall semester and finish her academic plan.
“They [the twins] don’t really understand that I’m graduating, but my older son is excited,” said Champion. “He thinks I’m growing up now.”
Grambling State University is excited to celebrate with Auset Champion and the entire Class of Spring 2019 graduates.
For media interviews or to share more graduation stories, email mediarelations@gram.edu.
