Undergraduate Commencement Speaker: Oprah Winfrey

Winning Grammy’s isn’t the only thing Tennessee State University is known for. Aside from having notable alum such as Wilma Rudolph, Bobby Jones, and Xernona Clayton; this weekend Tennessee State University made history yet again. Oprah Winfrey is a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actress, author, and proud graduate of Tennessee State University! She came back home as the Undergraduate Commencement Speaker. Oprah Winfrey graced the campus with her impeccable beauty and astonishing speech. Located on the hills of Nashville, TN – Tennessee State University was founded in 1912 and is the only state-funded HBCU in Tennessee! The event was not open to the public yet streamed LIVE from Own Network and TSU’s YouTube channel. As Oprah walked down the football field to head to the stage to give the commencement speech, the crowd’s roar of excitement sent chills like no other.

As the students listened with open ears to receive any words of encouragement from the Queen of Media herself, Oprah said, “I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” Another powerful statement she gave was, “People ask how I become so successful, and it’s because I lean into his grace.” The clapping, cheering, and roaring after her speech raced between the hills of Nashville that could be heard a block away. The students of Tennessee State University were so proud to not only graduate today but also were in amazement to be getting a speech from Oprah. Their excitement is what she fed off of as her cheeks were touching the sky. She humbly told the students she was back home and, “I come as one but I stand as 10,000.” Toward the end of the ceremony, Oprah Winfrey was awarded an honorary doctorate from her illustrious HBCU, Tennessee State University. As the event ended Dr. Winfrey was escorted to her car and gave one last wave to her beloved alma mater, Tennessee State University.