Tennessee State University alumna Oprah Winfrey is coming home to headline spring commencement as the keynote speaker on May 6.
United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Mississippi, will address graduate students at an indoor ceremony on Friday, May. 5. More than 800 students will receive degrees in various disciplines across both days.
“Commencement is always a special time for our students and their families, as it marks a major milestone in our students’ lives and a sign of success for them,” said TSU Dr. President Glenda Glover.
“To have Ms. Winfrey as our speaker will be a life-changing moment for graduates and the University. She is someone who has walked the TSU campus as a student, sat in some of the same classrooms, and knows first-hand the value of a TSU education. Ms. Winfrey and Congressman Thompson are trailblazers, history makers, and HBCU graduates, adding to the excitement and anticipation for both commencement ceremonies.”
Winfrey is a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actress, and author. Throughout her esteemed career, she has created an unparalleled connection with people worldwide, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today.
Growing up, Winfrey attended high school at East Nashville High School and attended Tennessee State University on a full scholarship, majoring in communications.
While at TSU, Winfrey landed a job at Nashville’s WLAC-TV (now WTVF-TV), where she was both the youngest news anchor and the first black female news anchor. Despite being one credit short of her degree, Winfrey left school and Nashville to pursue her dream of being a broadcast journalist.
However, in 1986, she returned to submit her final paper and officially graduated from TSU. Now, Winfrey is a dedicated philanthropist who has contributed more than $200 million to provide education for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Winfrey is a founding donor of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Winfrey’s Morehouse Scholars Program has supported over 600 men who graduated from college, and in 2020, Winfrey donated over $20 million in vital COVID-19 relief support to cities around the country.
Courtesy: Tennessee State University
