USHER RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM EMORY UNIVERSITY

Atlanta’s own Usher Raymond IV has added another prestigious title to his name, Doctor. On May 12, the Grammy, winning R&B icon received an honorary doctorate from Emory University during its 180th commencement ceremony. The event, held at the Woodruff Physical Education Center, saw Usher not only accept the honor but also deliver an inspirational keynote address to the graduating class of 2025.

A Memorable Moment

Dressed in Emory’s blue and gold regalia, Usher reflected on his journey from a young dreamer in Atlanta to a global superstar. He shared personal anecdotes about his early struggles in school, where he was placed in remedial classes, a moment that initially felt like a judgment on his abilities. However, he credited his passion for helping him overcome obstacles and carve out his path in the music industry.

Photos: Tyren Reed

Usher’s Powerful Speech

While addressing the graduates, Usher shared words of encouragement and reflection, stating:

"Yesterday I received an honorary Doctorate from Emory University and had the honor of delivering the commencement address to the class of 2025. This moment was a reminder that the journey never stops... keep dreaming, keep growing, and never stop believing in the power of your voice! Before I could sing, before I could dance and before I was a doctor, I had passion, and that’s what matters no matter what you do!"

The artist emphasized that education goes beyond perfect grades, highlighting the importance of potential, passion, and perseverance:

"My relationship with Emory has been well documented for over 15 years. Through my New Look Charity, I’ve helped build a pipeline that creates opportunity for students who, like me, were misunderstood. I wanted to open doors for young people who may not have the perfect transcript, but who carry with them something more powerful: Potential, Passion, and Perseverance."

 

Beyond his musical achievements, Usher has long been committed to philanthropy. His nonprofit, Usher’s New Look, has helped over 50,000 underserved students gain access to education and leadership opportunities over the past 25 years. Emory University recognized his contributions to both music and social impact, making his honorary doctorate a testament to his influence beyond entertainment.

 

As Usher stood before thousands of graduates, he reminded them that education is a fundamental right, one that should never be politicized or minimized. His words resonated deeply, leaving the audience inspired and motivated to make their mark on the world.

With this latest honor, Dr. Usher Raymond IV continues to prove that his legacy extends far beyond the stage. His journey from a young artist to a celebrated philanthropist and now an honorary doctorate recipient is a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.