Twin Sisters Named Valedictorian And Salutatorian At HBCU Cheyney University Of Pennsylvania – AfroTech
Twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss are set to graduate from the nation’s oldest Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
The pair are graduates of Philadelphia High School for Girls and credit their parents, Wendye Criss and the late Lynn Criss III, for helping them dream big. However, they never imagined the feat they would achieve in higher education. CBS News reports the pair attended Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. They both pursued a bachelor’s in business administration, according to their LinkedIn profiles.
The pair have now reached the finish line of their studies, with Tia named valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA, and her sister salutatorian with a 3.9 GPA, according to information shared by the university. The pair were “shocked” when they learned of the news, as it was never the goal to become valedictorian or salutatorian, according to CBS News.
Associate Dean of Students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers noted the twins’ achievement was a “product of working hard” and dedicating themselves to their studies, according to CBS News.
The siblings walked across the stage during commencement on May 9.
“This past Saturday, I stood on the historic grounds of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and addressed my peers as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. To say I am grateful would be an understatement. My four years at Cheyney have been a masterclass in resilience, excellence, and the power of community. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA in Business Administration was a personal goal, the real ‘success’ I found was in the relationships built and the lessons learned outside the classroom,” Tia said in a LinkedIn post.
“My experience at the nation’s first HBCU taught me that we don’t reach these heights alone. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we rise by lifting those beside us,” she continued.
Looking ahead, the twins plan to start an MBA program at West Chester University in Fall 2026. Tia hopes to work in the insurance field, according to CBS News.
“I like the analytical and risk assessment of it,” she explained to the outlet.
Jasmin is interested in a career in marketing or fashion.
