Dr. Oprah Winfrey Speaks To Duke Class of 2009
May 11 2009, Published 10:38 a.m. ET
She's an iconic talk show host, Oscar-nominated actress and successful media entrepreneur. Now you can add "doctor" to Oprah Winfrey's laundry list of achievements.
Winfrey received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Duke University President Richard H. Brodhead, and imparted her valuable wisdom in a speech to 4,400 graduates during the Sunday ceremony at the university in Durham, N.C.
"How can I help somebody else move to higher ground? That is success," she said. "Each of us has to stand in our own shoes. Will you stand in them in humility and compassion and courage? Every day will give you a chance to make that choice."
She mentioned her Duke connection, her graduating godson, William Bumpus. His mother is Winfrey's well-known friend, Gayle King.
"You know, William never wants people to know that he knows me," she said. "I'm like the crazy aunt that they keep in the attic."
That's one crazy aunt we would like to have. Especially around Christmastime.
