Commencement address given by Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress. She has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired people today. For 25 years, Winfrey was host of the awardwinning talk show "The Oprah Winfrey Show." As Chairman and CEO, she's guiding her successful cable network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, is the founder of O, The Oprah Magazine and oversees Harpo Films.

Winfrey is an Academy Awardnominated actress for her role in "The Color Purple," earned critical acclaim in Lee Daniels' "The Butler" and produced and acted in the Academy Awardwinning film "Selma." Winfrey recently appeared in HBO Films' "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," and will portray Mrs. Which in Disney's "Wrinkle in Time" film adaptation releasing April 2018.

In 2015, Winfrey joined the Weight Watchers board of directors. On January 3, 2017, her first cookbook "Food, Health and Happiness: 115 On Point Recipes for Great Meals and a Better Life" debuted as #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List.

Winfrey is also one of the most active philanthropists in the world, donating over $20 million to the creation of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, of which she has contributed more than $100 million to provide education to academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In 2013, Winfrey was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.