Oprah Winfrey to Speak at Howard University’s Commencement Convocation

Wash, DC (rushprnews) April 16, 2007- Ms. Oprah Winfrey, Global media leader and international philanthropist, has been named the Commencement Convocation speaker for Howard University’s 139th graduating class on Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. on the upper quadrangle of the main campus.

The prolific actress, talk show host, and producer Oprah Winfrey will receive a Doctor of Humanities honoris causa for her lifetime achievements and stellar contributions to the global community.

Howard University will confer four honorary degrees to an exemplary group of trailblazers in their respective fields including academia, science, health care and philanthropy. The honorees are Dr. Julian M. Earls, director (Ret.) NASA Glenn Research Center, Doctor of Science; Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Alphonse Fletcher Professor at Harvard University, Doctor of Humane Letters; Dr. Walter E. Massey, president of Morehouse College, Doctor of Science; and Mrs. Irene Sue Pollin, founder of Sister to Sister: Everyone Has A Heart Foundation, Inc., Doctor of Humanities.

“The entire Howard University community is delighted that Ms. Winfrey has accepted our invitation to speak at our 139th commencement,” said Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert. “An already special event will be made more so by the outstanding gift of her presence. We look forward eagerly to hear from one of the world’s best loved and most inspirational figures.”

Ms. Oprah Winfrey, through the power of media has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As supervising producer and host of the top-rated, award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show, she has entertained, enlightened and uplifted millions of viewers for the past two decades. Her accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today. In January 2007, she opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls near Johannesburg in South Africa, one of many examples of her dedication and commitment to investing in education for underserved children nationally and internationally. –

SOURCE: Howard University Press

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