Acclaimed actress Angela Bassett has received an honorary doctorate from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia.
The veteran actress received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) degree.
Bassett received the honor on the same weekend she served as the keynote speaker for ODU’s 2022 commencement ceremony.
In her speech, Bassett encouraged students to honor the values of royalty set by ODU’s mascot, the Monarch.
“Thanks to a little film called Black Panther, I think I know a little bit about royalty … well, fictional royalty at least,” Bassett joked.
“It’s about your leadership and your legacy,” Bassett shared. “That’s the real crown that I want you to wear every day when you step out into the world.”
“Monarchs, you didn’t come this far to come this far,” Bassett continued. “You came this far to excel. You came this far to soar to heights that you, your parents, your grandparents, your ancestors sacrificed and prayed for you to reach.”
The actress shared her new doctorate with fans and family on social media. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Hey Everybody, you good? I’m so happy and humbled to receive an honorary doctorate from @olddominionu today! Education is truly the KEY! #stillmakingmymommaproud.”
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The actress has garnered numerous accolades in her Hollywood career. According to WTVR, She has been “nominated six times for Emmy Awards, won multiple NAACP Image Awards, been nominated for two Screen Actors Guild Awards, nine BET Awards, including a Black Girls Rock Icon Award, and holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
Last month, Bassett also received an honorary degree from the Atlanta-based HBCU Morehouse college.
She was honored for her leadership, service, and excellence that “set the bar high for women in Hollywood.”
She also has three degrees (B.A., M.F.A., and honorary doctorate)from her alma mater, Yale University. In 2020, Bassett received the Yale Undergraduate Lifetime Achievement Award (YULAA) presented by the Yale College Council (YCC).
It recognizes Yale College alumni for their outstanding work in a particular field and is the only award in Ivy League history selected and administered entirely by students.
Bassett is the first Black recipient of the award and the one with the most Yale degrees.
Congratulations, Angela and the entire graduating class of ODU!
