Chris Paul Graduates from Winston-Salem State University, Gifts Classmates $2,500 [Video]

After years of supporting HBCU causes on and off the court, Chris Paul finally graduated from one.

The Phoenix Suns point guard graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from Winston-Salem State University on Friday.

“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.”

The Hall of Famer, who wore a red-and-white cape and gown, was seen walking with his classmates during Winston-Salem’s graduation. Originally attended Wake Forest, where he starred as a basketball player from 2003 to 2005 before entering the NBA draft as a sophomore, Paul returned to school across town at Winston-Salem State in 2020.

In addition to walking at graduation, Paul also gifted each of his fellow graduates $2500.

The NBA star was asked about his big accomplishment following the Suns’ win over the Clippers Thursday and explained that he was most excited to share the achievement with his family.

“Man it’s cool. I’m excited. Long time coming,” Paul told The Arizona Republic. “To be able to go back home and do that with my family is something that snuck up kinda quick but I’m probably most excited that I get to spend the next 10 days with my wife and my kids.”

Paul has been a part of two different basketball showcases featuring HBCUs. The 37-year-old has made tremendous contributions to HBCUs over the past few years, creating an internship pipeline at North Carolina A&T and producing a docuseries to highlight the lack of resources in HBCU athletic programs.

“I speak about it every now and then when I get a chance, but I think HBCUs are so important for trying to make sure that we level the playing field,” Paul told the Arizona Republic last month. “Make sure that they’re provided with the same opportunities that a lot of these other schools are blessed with, and the guys are just as talented, if not more talented, they just need the platform. They need people to see them, to believe in them.”

Congratulations to Chris Paul (@CP3), a member of #WSSU22 pic.twitter.com/sf9t9CRi75

— WSSU (@WSSURAMS) December 16, 2022