Pharrell Williams Honored At Norfolk State University
Pharrell Williams, Grammy award-winning musician and producer, has never been one to back down from challenges or to settle for less than he deserves, even if it meant having to work ten times harder than everyone else.
As a result, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Norfolk State University (NSU), one of the nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Pharrell Williams Receives a Honorary Doctorate from Norfolk State University
This weekend, the artist and philanthropist Pharrell Williams was honored with an honorary doctorate of humanities degree during his commencement speech at NSU, a historically black college in Virginia.
It's not surprising that Williams inspired so many people with his words. After all, he is one of Forbes' 40 Under 40: Music for 2015. He has also won seven Grammy Awards for his work as a solo artist and six more for his production on other artists' albums.
Advice To Students
According to HBCU Buzz, Williams told the audience during his commencement speech that Norfolk State's band made him feel like the only man in the world upon his arrival to campus.
"I wanted to be able to make people feel the way Norfolk State's band made me feel," he said.
Later, he said that although he didn't attend NSU, he got an opportunity to see what many HBCU alums mean by the black college experience:
"I didn't attend Norfolk State, but I was always present," Williams said. "The pull of the green and the gold is strong. I am honored to have made this part of my work, my story, and still today; I can't wait to see how far you amazing, impressive graduates of Norfolk State … how far you'll go."
About Norfolk State University
Located in historic downtown Norfolk, Virginia, NSU is one of 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in America. It has been listed as one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges is Regional Universities South, coming in at #70 in the 2022 edition.