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Never Too Late To Get That Paper | Chris Paul Graduates Winston-Salem State University, Gives Grads $2500 On His Way Out

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Chris Paul graduated from Winston-Salem State University today and ensured his fellow grads had a financial head start. The Phoenix Suns point guard and NBA veteran gifted the grads with cash and benefits worth $2500 apiece to begin their new lives gained from academia. Additionally, Paul attended his graduation in person after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 111-95 last night in Los Angeles.

CP3 Graduates From Winston Salem State 

“‘I’m Chris Paul, now a graduate of Winston-Salem State University. Yeah, that sounds crazy, doesn’t it?” the happy graduate said in a post-graduation press conference. “This is something that I’ll never forget.”

Positively Paul

Chris Paul is truly dynamic. He is the former President of the NBA Players Association. He also played two years of college basketball at Wake Forest University before entering the draft and being selected fourth in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets. During his time at Wake Forest, Paul averaged 15.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. Paul wanted to be a college graduate, and now he has accomplished that achievement at an HBCU in his hometown.

Flanked by his family, Paul walked across the WSSU stage and took his diploma after leaving school in 2005.

“I’m Chris Paul, now a graduate of Winston-Salem State University. Yeah, that sounds crazy, doesn’t it?” he said during a news conference following graduation. “This is something that I’ll never forget.”

“I’m so grateful to all the teachers and everyone who worked with me. But to do this, and to be able to do this at home and to walk and talk to these students today during the entire process is something that I’ll never forget.”

Starter Bag

The Winston-Salem native placed the starter funds for the students on a Greenwood debit card bank by OneUnited, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank and the first Black digital bank in America. Paul wanted to share his belief in financial literacy via the Chris Paul Family Foundation. Each graduate will receive a Greenwood Elevate “career and lifestyle” membership for one year and a Greenwood account with a $100 deposit for a total value of $2,500 per graduate, according to a statement from Greenwood.

“As someone with a deep passion for HBCUs, I am proud to be graduating from Winston-Salem State and also excited to partner with Greenwood to provide a graduation gift to each of my classmates,” said Chris Paul. “Career development and financial planning are key next steps in the future for these graduates. This Greenwood Elevate membership will help them grow in the right direction.”

For Paul, the journey is full circle as he closes the loop on his education back at home in North Carolina.

“I grew up playing Pop Warner football games, going to every Winston-Salem State University football game and all the Winston-Salem State basketball games, to have my parents go to Winston-Salem State, it means a lot,” Paul said. “Graduating from an HBCU is special, but graduating from Winston-Salem State University is even more special.”

Paul received a bonus when he discovered that his cousin was also graduating at the same time. With another accomplishment in the books, Paul and the Suns will prepare for a Saturday game against the New Orleans Pelicans, a formidable young team. He hits the hardwood with a diploma in hand, Winston-Salem State University in his blood. He has provided a special gift for the rising generation of graduates on his conscience.

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