On May 12, 2025, R&B legend Usher Raymond IV delivered an inspiring commencement address at Emory University’s 180th graduation ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. Dressed in Emory’s blue and gold regalia, the 46-year-old artist received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and shared personal anecdotes with the Class of 2025.(Diverse: Issues In Higher Education)
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Usher recounted his early struggles in Atlanta’s school system, where he was placed in remedial classes due to a lack of resources to support his learning needs. He emphasized that his passion was the driving force behind his success, stating, “Before I could sing, before I could dance and before I was a doctor, I had passion.”
His experiences inspired him to establish Usher’s New Look, a nonprofit organization that has empowered over 50,000 under-resourced youth through programs focused on leadership, education, and service. The organization partners with Emory’s Goizueta Business School to provide a 400-hour leadership academy for high school students, boasting a 100% high school graduation rate among participants.(Emory News, thesource.com)
Usher’s address combined humor, heartfelt stories, and motivational insights, leaving a lasting impression on graduates and attendees alike.
