Graduation season is around the corner and big name universities are making their bids to get a celebrity to perform that year’s commencement speech. Harvard University has selected OWN creator Oprah Winfrey for their upcoming Afternoon Exercises.
“Oprah’s journey from her grandmother’s Mississippi farm to becoming one of the world’s most admired women is one of the great American success stories,” said Harvard President Drew Faust, reports the Harvard Gazette. “She has used her extraordinary influence and reach as a force for good in the world, with a constant focus on the importance of education opportunity and the virtues of serving others.”
The President of the Harvard Alumni Association, Carl F. Muller, echoed similar sentiments about Winfrey’s stellar achievements. “[She] is an inspiration to people around the world who care about opening minds and serving the common good. I know our alumni will value the opportunity to hear from her in May.”
Last year, the Black Women in Hollywood honoree gave Spelman College‘s commencement speech. In other graduation news, President Obama will give Morehouse College‘s commencement address this May.