[mpoverlay]Spelman College yesterday announced Tennessee State University alumna and media mogul Oprah Winfrey as its 2012 commencement speaker on May 20 beginning at 3:00 p.m. Winfrey, an honorary degree recipient from the college in 1999, will also receive the institution’s National Community Service Award.

Spelman College has a special relationship with the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Three students from the academy have been accepted as first-year students at the college, as part of the Class of 2016. In addition, Spelmanites have participated in internships at the academy, tutoring students and serving as resident assistants.

“We are thrilled to welcome Oprah Winfrey back to our campus to receive this well deserved award. I know her address to the Class of 2012 will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the graduates, as it did in 1993,” said Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D., president.[/mpoverlay]

Oprah Winfrey Spelman College