It’s now Dr Sheryl Lee Ralph, OJ
Renowned actress receives honorary doctorate from Rutgers University
RENOWNED ACTRESS, singer and activist Dr Sheryl Lee Ralph has added yet another accolade to her illustrious career, having received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers University. Dr Ralph was bestowed with the honour by Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway.
Having started university at 16, the star of Abbott Elementary graduated from Rutgers in only three years in 1972, making history as the school’s youngest graduate at 19. Glamour magazine named Ralph one of the top 10 college women in America at the time.
During the Commencement Ceremony of Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) held on Sunday, Dr Ralph who served as the keynote speaker, detailed her experiences at the institution, hailed the time there as the catalyst of her career and encouraged the graduates to go after their dreams.
“I could have just imagined what it was like when you first came here to the campus as freshmen. Our country and the world took a tragic and difficult turn. Kobe died, George Floyd was killed and then the world and everything changed when COVID-19 ... shut down the world. But, you stayed the course, you never gave up, you kept doing. We need people who have been through something and still have so much to give and share, that’s you,” she told graduates.
“Don’t chase money. Money will come. Figure out what makes you happy. If you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like a job,” she continued.
Dr Ralph has enthralled audiences with her outstanding performances throughout her multifaceted career. Her breakout performance as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls brought her widespread recognition, a Tony Award nomination, and a lasting place in the hearts of theatregoers.
She made a seamless transition from the theatre to cinema and television, giving standout performances i n productions including Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and the highly regarded television series Moesha. She has received widespread recognition for her efforts to the entertainment industry, including an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series and she has paved the way for upcoming generations of African-American entertainers.
She has also been inducted into the Order of Jamaica for sterling contribution to the international film industry.
Dr Ralph’s impact has extended far beyond the realm of entertainment. She has used her platform to advocate for important social causes, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In response to the devastating impact of the epidemic on the African-American community, she co-founded the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware) Foundation i n 1990. Through this organisation, Dr Ralph has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support those affected by the disease.
Her unwavering dedication to HIV/AIDS activism has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Red Ribbon Award from the United Nations.
She began Rutgers as a premed student, but changed her major to English literature and theatre arts. Unfortunately, Dr Ralph would have missed her own graduation to work on a Skippy Peanut Butter Commercial but was happy to walk the stage in her cap and gown on Mother’s Day.