After giving the graduating address at Norfolk State University in her hometown, Missy Elliott presented a check for $20,000 to the institution.
The multi-platinum multi-hyphenate was present at Norfolk State on Saturday (December 10), when she inspired the almost 400 students in the class to keep working toward their objectives, according to ABC affiliate 13 News Now.
Elliott, who is from the Portsmouth area of Norfolk, Virginia, took a minute to realize the significance of their graduation.
“I am proud of y’all and y’all should be proud of y’all self,” Missy Elliott said. “I want you to look at each other and say, ‘You already won.’ Let ’em know! Ain’t no winning, you are already the one. ‘Cause, y’all coulda been doing anything else the last few years, y’all coulda been wildin’ out. But y’all decided to finish the course. And that’s major.”
The Presidential Commencement Medallion, the university’s “most prestigious distinction,” as well as an honorary doctorate in humane letters were given to the four-time Grammy Award winner, according to The Virginia-Pilot.
The degree was conferred in celebration of Missy Elliott’s “exceptional professional achievements and extraordinary commitments to public service,” Norfolk State President Javaune Adams-Gaston said during the commencement ceremony.
Alongside music icon Justin Timberlake and conductor Alex Lacamoire, she previously got an honorary doctorate from the esteemed Berklee College of Music in 2019.
Before the exciting afternoon came to a close, Missy Elliott gave her donation to NSU and asked that the money be applied “to the area of highest need,” according to a school representative.
With her most recent honorary degree, Missy Elliott has now received recognition from her home state for her professional achievements twice this year. She was recognized in August when a street in Portsmouth was dedicated in her honor.
When “Missy Elliot Boulevard” was included in Google Maps a few months later, Elliott commemorated the event once more.
On October 18, the “Work It” singer posted a picture of herself holding the Missy Elliott BLVD street sign while beaming broadly in a golden Versace costume.
“ATTENTION MISSY ELLIOTT BLVD is on the Google Map #VA baybeeeeee#757 P-TOWN WAIT a WHOLE BLVD! God is good,” Missy wrote.
“I am not perfect & I’ve had ups & downs when some doubted me & thought I would give up I PRAYED & got back up every time
Hopefully, this will INSPIRE some1 else to KEEP PUSHING!”
