Ludacris has been honored with a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University during commencement exercises at Center Parc Stadium on Wednesday.
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges left the Music Management program in the mid-90s after he signed a record deal with Def Jam Records. He ended up becoming very successful of course, selling tons of records and becoming one of the legends in the rap game. Ludacris received his own Bachelor of Science in Music Management degree and addressed 800 master’s degree graduates to kick off the school’s Commencement Week.
“My time on campus sharpened my skills,” he told graduates. “It gave me confidence that my path was preordained. That I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.
“Though I left school I was never gone because this institution had become a part of me,” he said. “It was a part of my fabric and DNA. My heart never strayed far from its steps and my commitment to someday return, and finish, was ever-present.”
Luda has been actively involved in the Georgia State community over the years. In 2019, he joined the Creative Media Industries Institute as an artist-in-residence, sharing with students his experiences and insights on the music and film industries. He also partnered with the College of Law on a course dissecting his career as part of the “Legal Life of …” series.
“My pledge is to continue my support of the university and to live up to its standards,” Luda said. “Hopefully, I will continue to make you proud and be an example of Georgia State’s determination and resilience.”
Georgia State President M. Brian Blake introduced Bridges before presenting the degree.
“Today’s honoree began his college journey at Georgia State in the 1990s, before landing a record contract that catapulted him to international fame and stardom,” Blake said. “Today, that dream of a college degree is finally being realized by a media mogul, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Chris came back to campus to reconnect with Georgia State students in 2019 and we are grateful that he has given his time and opened his heart to our students.”
