Angela Bassett ‘Happy And Humble’ After Receiving Honorary Doctorate From Old Dominion University

Angela Bassett has added another honorary doctorate to her collection. On Friday, the actress announced that she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. 

“Hey Everybody you good?” the 63-year-old wrote on Instagram. “I’m so happy and humbled to receive an honorary doctorate from @olddominionu today! Education is truly the KEY!”

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In addition to receiving the honor, Bassett served as the speaker for the school’s 2022 commencement ceremony. During her speech, the Black Panther actress reminded the graduates of their school mascot, a lion, and the traits they should take along with them. 

“Throughout your time at ODU, many of you have proudly looked at the monarch —a royal crown on a lion’s head — as a salute to your school’s rich history, strength, pride, fearlessness, royalty,” Bassett said.

She continued, “And thanks to a little film called Black Panther, I think I know a little bit about royalty … well, fictional royalty at least.” The joke drew laughter from the crowd. 

This is not the first time Bassett has received an honorary doctorate. In 2018 she received the honor from her alma mater, Yale University. In 2020, she received an honorary doctorate from Morehouse College.