Dillard University Student Receives Special Graduation Ceremony In Hospital After Giving Birth

After four years of hard work, Dillard University student Jada Sayles was preparing to walk the stage on her graduation day, but her baby son made a heartwarming debut first.

“I thought I was gonna walk across the stage to get my degree, instead I got my baby,” Sayles writes on Twitter, along with a series of adorable photos.

“My sweet face decided to make his way on my big day (now his).”

I thought I was gonna walk across the stage to get my degree, instead I got my baby. My sweet face decided to make his way on MY big day (now his). Shoutout to my university for still bringing my graduation and degree to me. 🎓 Ima college graduate & mommy, talk to me nice! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/3KyVReqyUJ

— Jada S. (@JadaSayles) May 15, 2022

Sayles was admitted to the hospital around 4:30 a.m., hours before she was scheduled to be at graduation on May 15, People reported.

“[The contractions] were getting stronger and stronger,” Sayles told WDSU. “It happened so fast. I didn’t even realize I was missing graduation because it was just such a fast labor.”

Once she knew she couldn’t attend the ceremony, Sayles notified Dillard’s outgoing President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough. He deemed it a celebratory occasion for the new mother and graduate, so he was more than willing to bring a ceremony to her at the hospital.

“Jada went into labor on Friday evening. Texted me around 4:30 a.m. Saturday saying she was being admitted, and the baby was born on her graduation day,” Kimbrough wrote on Twitter.

“So we rolled up to the hospital, so I could finish my tenure in the most special way.”

Jada went into labor on Friday evening. Texted me around 4:30 am Saturday saying she was being admitted, & the baby was born on her graduation day, May 14th. So we rolled up to the hospital so I could finish my tenure in the most special way. #myDU pic.twitter.com/JieETrXVgy

— Walter M. Kimbrough (@HipHopPrez) May 15, 2022

Sayles, dressed in her cap and gown, was given the opportunity to accept her degree. She was especially proud having earned a 4.0 grade point average during her pregnancy. Her family can be heard in the background of a video cheering her on as Kimbrough declared the new mom an official graduate from the historically Black college. And her new baby boy was a special guest to the momentous event.

I even did the tassel part of commencement! This really was a very sweet moment. I’ll never forget it. pic.twitter.com/gVExIXMMgi

— Walter M. Kimbrough (@HipHopPrez) May 15, 2022

Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in pre-law, according to WDSU.

“You can do it with a kid. You can do it without a kid. You can do it pregnant. You can do it not pregnant. You can do it,” Sayles advised.