Usher Receives Honorary Degree & Delivers Keynote Address At Emory University

Aimee Cherry Quartey
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Usher Receives Honorary Degree & Delivers Keynote Address At Emory University
Usher
On May 12th, 2025, Grammy Award-winning artiste and philanthropist Usher Raymond IV delivered the keynote address at Emory University’s 180th Commencement ceremony in Atlanta. During the event, he was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his significant contributions to music and youth empowerment.

In his 19-minute speech, Usher reflected on his personal educational journey, sharing that he was placed in remedial classes as a child because the educational system didn’t recognize his potential. He emphasized the importance of following one’s passion, stating, “Before I could sing, before I could dance and before I was a doctor, I had passion.” He encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams and to recognize the value they bring to the world.

Usher also highlighted his nonprofit organization, Usher’s New Look, which he founded in 1999. The Atlanta-based nonprofit has supported over 55,000 under-resourced adolescents, helping them discover their talents and providing life-changing educational pathways. The organization has partnered with Emory University’s Goizueta Business School to help prepare high school students for college.

Due to severe weather forecasts, the commencement ceremony was moved indoors to the George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center, with attendance limited to three guests per graduate.

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