Oprah Winfrey plans to bestow upon the newest graduating class at Harvard University her wisdom of the real world. The former talk-show host and billionaire is slated to deliver the 362nd commencement address during the Afternoon Exercises at the Tercentenary Theater of Harvard Yard on May 30.
The creator of the Oprah Winfrey Network should certainly have some advice about becoming successful in the world, since the media mogul and philanthropist is regularly listed among the most powerful women in the world. She grew up a desperately poor child in Kosciusko, Miss., and became a multi-billionaire, owning a television network, magazine and hosting the highest rated talk show in American history.
“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,” Harvard President Drew Faust said in a statement posted to the Harvard Gazette website Monday. “She has used her extraordinary influence and reach as a force for good in the world, with a constant focus on the importance of educational opportunity and the virtues of serving others.”
In addition, the Afternoon Exercises will include the Harvard Alumni Association’s annual reunion.
“Oprah Winfrey is an inspiration to people around the world who care about opening minds and serving the common good,” said Carl F. Muller, president of the Harvard Alumni Association. “I know our alumni will value the opportunity to hear from her in May.”
Winfrey has previously given commencement addresses at Howard University in 2007, Stanford University in 2008 and Spelman College in 2012.
The graduates should listen closely to Oprah. Despite their Harvard diplomas, the current economy dictates that the job market is tough and they, like everyone else, would be wise to soak up and and all advice that they receive.
