Commencement Speaker

Talk show host, entrepreneur and entertainer Oprah Winfrey journey from her grandmother's Mississippi farm to becoming one of the world's most admired women is one of the great American success…

Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington is a man constantly on the move.  Never comfortable repeating himself or his successes, Washington always searches for new challenges through his numerous and…

J.C. Watts is chairman of the J.C. Watts Companies, a multi-industry holding company headquartered in Washington, DC, with operations in Texas and Oklahoma. As chairman, Watts provides strategic focus and…

Dr. Cornel West, philosopher, social activist and professor, has long held a place in the African American culture for his thought-provoking theories on politics, race relations and religion. West is…

Aisha Tyler, is an actor, comedian, director, author and activist. she is currently co-host of the hit cbs daytime talker "the talk" until end of the seventh season. Aisha joined…

Steven Tyler is the iconic songwriter, composer and voice of Aerosmith – America’s Greatest Rock and Roll band – and is considered one of rock’s most recognizable and dynamic frontmen.…

A charismatic and versatile actor, Blair Underwood has found success acting in television, on stage, and on the big screen. His success has been driven by the underlying belief that,…

One of today’s hottest stars, Gabrielle Union, continues to shine. Gabrielle is currently the star of BET’s Being Mary Jane, which will air its second season in 2015. She plays…

As an award-winning anchor and correspondent, Elizabeth Vargas has traveled the world covering breaking news stories, reporting in - depth investigations and conducting newsmaker interviews. During the historic Iraqi elections…

Heralded on the cover of The New Republic as the man who “reinvented campaigning,” Joe Trippi has been at the forefront of movement politics for nearly 30 years. Trippi began…

Cynthia Tucker, a veteran newspaper journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, is a Visiting Professor of Journalism and Charlayne Hunter-Gault Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at the University of Georgia. She is also a…

Throughout his career, Ted Turner has won recognition for his entrepreneurial acumen; sharp business skills; a vision that transformed television; leadership qualities that won sports championships; and his unprecedented philanthropy.…

A prolific journalist and writer, Jake Tapper’s work has been lauded by such legendary newsmen Bob Woodward as

After 27 years as the chief editor of Essence magazine and the visionary credited with building the brand, Susan L. Taylor left publishing to devote her life to building an…

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, first round NFL draft pick, and Heisman trophy winner. Tim Tebow is currently signed to play professional baseball with the New York Mets…

Hannah Storm is an award-winning journalist, producer and director, a pioneer in the field of sports broadcasting for women, an advocate for children’s issues, and a published author. She joined…

Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand-up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand-up has sent her…

Raven-Symone, actress, comedian, model, singer, songwriter, dancer, television producer and talk show host. She first appeared on television in 1989 on The Cosby Show as Olivia Kendall. She released her…

Throughout an illustrious career, Jerry Springer has become a cultural and civic icon. In addition to talk show host, he has been the mayor of Cincinnati, political pundit, lawyer, award-winning…

Will Steger is a polar explorer who has accomplished some of the most significant polar expeditions in history. Steger led the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without…

Economist; Longtime Columnist for The Wall Street Journal, Barrons and The New York Times; Speech Writer and Aide for Presidents Nixon and Ford; Emmy-winning Television Gameshow Host; Commentator for CBS…

Known for his unique brand of political satire as the host of Comedy Central's runaway hit The Daily Show, Jon Stewart is considered one of America's most respected comedic voices…

Jimmy Smits is best known for his character portrayals in long-running starring roles in the television series "L.A. Law" (1986-91), "NYPD Blue" (1993-98) and "The West Wing" (2004-06), and for…

Lionel Sosa is CEO of the grassroots online think tank Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT.org). A recognized expert in Hispanic consumer and voter behavior, education and achievement, he founded…

Jada Pinkett Smith has proven herself to be one of today's most versatile and gifted young actresses. Recently, she landed one of Hollywood's most sought after roles, as Niobe in…

Rodney E. Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation has had a long and distinguished career of accomplishment in both the public and private sectors.  He is nationally recognized for his…

Award-Winning Journalist, Former First Lady of California, Best-Selling Author and leading Alzheimer’s Advocate. Born Maria Owings Shriver on November 6, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois.

Bob Schieffer is broadcast journalism's most experienced Washington reporter. He is CBS News' chief Washington correspondent; serves as anchor and moderator of Face the Nation, the network's Sunday public affairs…

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, A leader in education, the arts, and the public sector for nearly 40 years, Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., began her tenure as the 10th president of…

Joanne Rowling was born in July 1965 at Yate General Hospital in England and grew up in Chepstow, Gwent where she went to Wyedean Comprehensive. Jo left Chepstow for Exeter…

Andy Samberg is an actor, comedian, rapper and writer best known as a member of the comedy group, The Lonely Island and as a former cast member of "Saturday Night…

Robin Roberts has been the anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America since 2005. She began contributing to the morning program in 1995

Sharon Robinson, daughter of the legendary baseball superstar Jackie Robinson, is an author, activist and educator. Sharon has written several widely praised books about her father, including her most recent…

Arnold Rampersad, is a biographer and literary critic, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the US in 1965. The first volume (1986) of his Life of…

An accomplished actor and stage director, Phylicia Rashad became a household name when she portrayed Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a character whose enduring appeal has earned her numerous…

Sonya Renee Taylor is the Founder and Radical Executive Officer of The Body is Not An Apology, an international movement and organization committed to radical self-love and body empowerment as…

John Quinones is anchor of ABCs What Would You Do?, a co-anchor of Primetime, a correspondent for 20/20, and the author of Heroes Among Us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices (Harper).

Tyler Perry's inspirational journey from the hard streets of New Orleans to the heights of Hollywood's A-list is the stuff of American legend. Born into poverty and raised in a…

Kal Penn stars as Seth Wright on ABC's Hit Designated Survivor, a White House speechwriter. Penn currently stars opposite Tyler Labine in Hulu's original comedy series Deadbeat and will return…

The instantly recognizable sound of Ty Pennington’s “Good Morning!” has become an unmistakable sign of hope for families and communities, as he has helped transform the lives of thousands, while…

Rosie Perez, a actress, community activist, talk show host, author, dancer, and choreographer. Her film breakthrough was in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (1989). She followed this with White…

Dr. Mehmet Oz, two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning host of the three-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning The Dr. Oz Show, is Vice-Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University. He directs the…

Bill Parcells is a former NFL coach and executive, winning two Super Bowls (XXI & XXV) as Head Coach of the New York Giants. Armed with a wealth of knowledge…

Bill Nye, scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, is a man with a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society, to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science…

With “a comic identity as distinctive as his name,” according to The New York Times,  Conan O’Brien has firmly established himself in the late night comedy universe. Hailed by The…

Darryl McDaniels is a legendary music icon and the co-founder of Run-DMC, the legendary rap group that has sold over 30 million records, had several Top 10 hits and was…

Carrie Newcomer’s songwriting has impressed the likes of Billboard, USA Today, and Rolling Stone, which wrote that she “asks all the right questions.” Newcomer speaks and teaches about creativity, vocation,…

Starring for seven seasons on NBC’s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning 30 Rock, Tracy Morgan appeared opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as ‘Tracy Jordan,’ the unpredictable star of Lemon’s…

In a distinguished professional career that has spanned 25 years, Marc Morial has served as one of the most accomplished servant-leaders in the nation. As an entrepreneur, Morial started several…

Bill Moyers has been recognized as one of the unique voices of our times. His career in broadcast journalism has spanned over four decades and earned him more than 35…