Vanessa Williams receives college diploma, makes children proud

As her children Devin, 15, and Jillian, 18, looked on, actress Vanessa Williams recently received her diploma from Syracuse University.  The 45-year-old Ugly Betty star left the school in 1983 in order to fulfill her duties as Miss America, but returned 25 years later to take part in last Saturday’s commencement ceremony.  Vanessa, Jillian said, "works really hard" and "deserves" a spot at the podium, adding,

She loves Syracuse so much, so I’m just happy to see her finally graduate.

Said Devin,

I was just really proud of my mom and its great to see her up there in a cap and gown.

Although Vanessa didn’t complete her musical theater studies at Syracuse, she was given credit for her work in the entertainment industry.  Jillian and Devin, along with 20-year-old Melanie, are Vanessa’s children with ex-husband Ramon Hervey III; Vanessa also has an 8-year-old daughter, Sasha Gabriella, with ex-husband Rick Fox.

Source:  Capital News 9; Photo by Splash News

Comments

Laura on May 13th, 2008

I think it is very important for hollywood to show kids the importance of an education. Whether we like it or not, our children look up to stars and watch their every move… I’m glad that in this case, children will see that education is an important part of being successful. Way to go Vanessa!

Sarita on May 14th, 2008

Does this mean she didn’t have to study to graduate? She just received a diploma for being succesful in the entertainment industry? If that is so, I think it is wrong.

If she did have to study, take the tests etc. Congrats!

JEN on May 14th, 2008

You dont need a piece of paper and thousands of dollars in debit to be a sucessful person.

stephanie on May 14th, 2008

Sarita- Her major is musical theatre so her work counts as credits, it’s not like she’s studying engineering.

Jay on May 14th, 2008

Congrats to Vanessa!! And majority of colleges if not all colleges accept “life experiences” as credit.

Renee on May 14th, 2008

Jen, that’s insulting to people who have college degrees and trust me, they aren’t easy to get but they can actually lead to a better career and it also gives you a chance to really think about what you want to do with your life. Nothing in life is free. When, if ,I get my college degree it will be more to me than a “piece of paper” as you put it. It would be proof that my hard work paid off.

Sheba on May 14th, 2008

I think this wonderful and really terrific for her kids to see this achievement. Congratulations, Vanessa!

We also don’t know how many credits she had before she left school. She could have been only a few credits shy from completing her degree.

It doesn’t take away from the achievements of others or devalue what it means to earn a college degree. I believe “life experience” should be rewarded and Vanessa’s life experience is clearly related to her major at Syracuse.

meela on May 14th, 2008

Bravo to Vanessa!! If I recall correctly she was a student at Syracuse before her Ms. America scandal so I’m sure she was probably just a few credits shy of graduation. I have such respect for any Hollywood star who takes the time to attend college. It shows discipline that you can see something that you started to the end. I have two college degrees and I find them to be quite pretentious however for us commoners it’s the only way to succeed if you don’t have connections. Because let’s face it, if you know the right people in any industry you don’t need a college.

Alana on May 14th, 2008

I think it’s very admirable that Vanessa is so proud of receiving the diploma. It shows a lot of character that she values education after all her entertainment experience. It’s fairly common to gift public figures with honorary diplomas from academic institutions, which are different than actually earned degrees. It could just be a word choice, but coming from someone who will remain in academia for the next six years, I don’t think she received a *degree.* Either way, brilliant day for her.

jasmine on May 14th, 2008

Congrats Vanessa! That’s awesome.

jasmine on May 14th, 2008

And to Jen, a diploma is more than just a “piece of paper”. Of course you don’t need it in order to be successful, but it’s still *very* important.