LeMoyne-Owen College (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: Tadiwananshe Rukasha, Marley Freeman, and Ashanti Stewart)
Marley Freeman, from Jackson, Mississippi; Tadiwananshe 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. “Especially knowing I got to share this achievement alongside my friend, it felt like a reminder that consistency really does add up,” Rukasha said. “I’m looking forward to moving into the next stage of my academic and career journey.”
“When 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,” Stewart said. “As I graduate, I am looking forward to stepping into this next chapter, beginning my career, and applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.”
Freeman, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, also played as a guard on the Lady Magicians basketball team. “It is great to see that the hard work paid off,” Freeman said about learning she became a valedictorian. She is pursuing entrepreneurship and increasing mental health awareness through establishing a clothing brand.
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 LeMoyne-Owen College campus at 807 Walker Ave. Memphis, TN, 38126.
For more information about LeMoyne-Owen College’s commencement ceremony visit the commencement webpage.