Schools

Spelman Commencement 2012: Last year Michelle Obama, this year Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey follows up Michelle Obama as Spelman College's 2012 Commencement Speaker.

On Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m., global media leader and philanthropist will inspire over 550 graduates when she delivers the commencement address to the Class of 2012. Last year's Spelman class was blessed by the words of First Lady Michelle Obama.

According to a recent press release Oprah Winfrey will receive the institution’s National Community Service Award.

Known for her (Oprah Winfrey) focus on improving the lives of others through various charitable initiatives, education is at the heart of Ms. Winfrey’s philanthropic efforts. Through her Angel Network, she has helped establish 60 schools in 13 countries and donated $1 million to six charter schools in the United States in 2010.  Among her best known endeavors is the establishment of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, where she has invested more than $40 million to educate students in grades seven through twelve.

Find out what's happening in Cascadewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In fact, Spelman College and the Academy for Girls in South Africa have a deep relationship. Three students from the academy have been accepted as first-year students at the college, as part of the Class of 2016. In addition, Spelmanites have participated in internships at the academy, tutoring students and serving as resident assistants.

“We are thrilled to welcome Oprah Winfrey back to our campus to receive this well deserved award. I know her address to the Class of 2012 will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the graduates, as it did in 1993,” said Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D., president.

Find out what's happening in Cascadewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Honorary degrees will be bestowed upon public health advocate Dazon Dixon Diallo, C’86, founder and president of SisterLove Inc., one of the first HIV/AIDS non-profit organizations in the Southeast founded by a woman and devoted to women, and  highly acclaimed actress, playwright and professor Anna Deavere Smith.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Cascade