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TSU’s Oprah Winfrey inspires students with powerful commencement address

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Oprah! Oprah! Oprah! That was the deafening chant that permeated the 12,000-seat Hale Stadium on Saturday, as Oprah Winfrey, Tennessee State University’s most famous alumnus made her triumphant return to her alma mater as the spring undergraduate commencement speaker. The throng of exciting fans poured onto the field trying to touch, get a glimpse of Winfrey or take selfies with the former student who has gone onto to gain fame as a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actress and author. Oprah’s speech later did not disappoint either, as many jubilant graduates, parents, alumni, and others spoke about being inspired by one of the most respected and admired figures in the world.

Lauren Graves, who graduated with honors, carries the banner for her college at the spring undergraduate commencement. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

TSU President Glenda Glover, at end of Winfrey’s speech, conferred on her the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, as a mark of respect and honor from her university.

“Oprah is really here at my graduation, wow! This is the most exciting moment of my life,” said Lauren Graves, of Louisville, Kentucky, who received her degree in social work. “I think it is awesome to be able to see someone as successful as Oprah come back and celebrate and inspire the next generation of successful individuals. It was an honor to be able to see her today, and to know that I am part of an alumni that include her.”

Kenneth Rolle II, outgoing president of the Student Government Association and urban studies major, couldn’t hold his excitement.

Kenneth Rolle II says he is inspired by Oprah’s accomplishment and can’t wait to follow in her footstep. (photo by Aaron Grayson)

“I am motivated and inspired,” he said. “Dr. Winfrey just gave a great motivational speech about moving forward and how not to let obstacles get in our way. She gave her testimony about the obstacles she faced at TSU and how she was able to overcome them. I am very blessed to be able to follow in her footstep being a TSU alum. I can’t wait to have similar impact on the world post-graduation.”

“This has been a long time coming and to top it with Oprah, is mind blowing,” added Jada Carter, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who received her degree in accounting. “I am very excited. This feels so unreal. I love to see Oprah. She is very influential. I really look up to her. She is a very phenomenal individual. She gave an outstanding commencement speech.”

Jada Carter’s parents, mother Viola, left, and dad Henry, say bringing back Oprah as their daughter’s graduation speaker was an added motivation. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Jada’s parents, father Henry, and mom Viola, made the long trek from Milwaukee to see their daughter walk across the stage, but knowing that Oprah would be the speaker was an extra motivation, they said.

“Tennessee State has been an incredible opportunity for our daughter and bringing back Oprah as the speaker for ger graduation, is incredible and awesome,” said Viola Carter. “It is amazing that she shows the students how many opportunities are available to them. This lets our children know the greatness that they can become.”

Regina Rogers says she will apply Oprah’s speech to her life. (photo by Aaron Grayson)

“Oprah’s commencement speech was inspiring and one that will help guide us to our next level of life,” added Regina Rogers, of Nashville. She earned her degree in arts and science. “I really love her speech. I am going to take her speech and apply it to my life from here on.”

More than 600 undergraduates received degrees in various disciplines. Watch the commencement ceremony from on the TSU YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/vJEbMmyKG5U?feature=share.

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Promise of new jobs, Oprah Winfrey perfect ending for TSU’s spring graduates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Darius Boyd dons his cap and gown at TSU’s spring commencement on Saturday, he will receive his bachelor’s degree in business information systems with an extra level of hope and satisfaction. That’s because Boyd will hear inspiring words from TSU’s most famous alumnus, Oprah Winfrey, and have a job waiting on him once he crosses the stage. His early employment is also an indication of the bright jobs market many experts predict for 2023 college graduates. 

Darius Boyd is expected to receive a starting salary of about $90,000 as a business analyst at Bank of America.

“I am very excited to have a job waiting for me right out of college,” says Boyd, who has been hired as a business analyst in the technology department at Bank of America. “I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to have the skill set to work at a company such as Band of America, and to have Ms. Oprah Winfrey as my commencement speaker to end my college career at TSU is mind-blowing.”  

Boyd is not alone with a job waiting and excitement as he awaits the ceremony. He is one of six yet to receive their degrees out of the spring graduating class who have already been hired by BOA in high-paying positions, with salaries ranging from $75,000-$95,000 and a guaranteed $10,000 signing bonus each. But that’s not all. Many others from the class of 2023, from internships, co-ops to fulltime employment, have jobs lined up. 

Jackson Tyler Houston received his job offer as a consultant at CGI at the end of his internship.

Jackson Tyler Houston, of Brentwood, Tennessee, who will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science, has a job offer waiting for him at CGI (Consultants in Management and Information Technology), one of the largest IT and business consulting firms in the world. He’s being hired as a consultant. 

“It is fantastic leaving college with a send-off from the one and only Oprah Winfrey and having a job lined,” says Houston.  “I can’t wait to hear her messages, but to have a job already was a huge relief off my shoulders going into my final semester and not have to worry about finding an employment.” 

Houston, who interned with CGI up to his senior year of college, received an offer after he finished the program and credits TSU for the early employment. 

Angela Davis, Assistant Director of the Career Development Center, says the center uses different platforms to connect students with employers. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“I must thank TSU and my professors who gave me the opportunity to pursue the job in the first place,” he says.

While many analysts see a booming jobs market for 2023 college graduates, at TSU, students credit their success to rigorous classroom and field training, passionate professors, and a Career Development Center that is focused on preparing and exposing students to available opportunities. 

Angela Davis, assistant director of the CDC, says in addition to career fairs, training and other events, the department utilizes different job search platforms such as Handshake to connect employers with students. 

“We cover topics such as resume preparation, creating a brand, preparing for the interview, soft skills in the workplace, how to navigate a career fair, as well as opportunities that are available within those companies,” says Davis.  

Jada Carter, who is receiving her degree in accounting, will work with Bank of America as an enterprise risk credit analyst.

“We also hold Table-Top sessions throughout the semester.  Each event provides students the opportunity to engage with employers for employment opportunities.” 

Overall, TSU students graduating this year are in a good mix when it comes to hiring. A study published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that employers are looking to hire more 2023 graduates than in 2022. Another NAEC survey released just recently, shows that undergraduates are receiving an average of 1.14 job offers before graduation. 

“This has been a long four years, but with a very exciting ending,” says Jada Carter, also eluding Winfrey and secured employment.

“I am ready to get out in the world and represent TSU because they have done a lot for me,” adds Carter. The Milwaukee native is also going to work for BOA as an enterprise risk credit analyst. 

“The Career Development Center has been very helpful. I have worked very closely with them in the last four years. This helped me to build professional relationships with recruiters and business partners. I’m leaving TSU on the right track, with a job and the best commencement speaker you could hope for, and a fellow TSU graduate.” 

Carter, and Boyd of Memphis, Tennessee, will be assigned at the BOA headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. They will be among more than 800 undergraduate and graduate students who will receive degrees at the 2023 spring commencement. 

Spring 2023 commencement 

Tennessee State University alumna Oprah Winfrey is coming home to headline TSU’s Spring Commencement as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m. CDT, in Hale Stadium. Due to demand, security and safety protocols, this is a ticketed event. The undergraduate ceremony will be moved to the Gentry Center Complex in case of rain. United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Miss-Second District, will address graduate students at an indoor ceremony on Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m. CDT, in the Gentry Center. Both commencement ceremonies will be live streamed from the TSU YouTube Channel, www.tnstate.edu/livestream. 


For more information on TSU 2023 Spring Commencement and full bios on Ms. Winfrey and Congressman Thompson, visit www.tnstate.edu/commencement.