Honor (part 2)!

Due to operator error, I can’t figure out how to change the date on this post from May 6 to May 8.  Oh well!  I actually returned to Seattle on Monday, May 7, after celebrating one of the most incredible experiences of my life with family and friends. I will always cherish it.  As many of you know on Friday, May 4, I was honored to deliver the 2018 Undergraduate Commencement address at my alma mater, Michigan State University.  And I was thrilled to receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities.

It was even more special, because my 90-year-old father, Nelson; my sister, Mary; nephew, Brandon; and dear friends, Lorraine Burns, Pamela Sherrod Anderson, Debbie Smith, Bessie Davis, and Marion McGhee attended all the festivities with me. Unfortunately, Peggie Lucas’ flight from Charlotte, NC, was canceled and although she wasn’t physically present, she was with me in spirit as were many of my friends and family in the U.S. and Canada.

Several of you have asked for a link to view the actual speech.  Here it is and it runs from the 16:15 to 38:30 mark:  https://livestream.com/wkar/msuspring2018/videos/174359538.

Finally, many of my hilarious friends have teasingly asked me if they should call me Dr. Herndon. I must say that Dr. Herndon or Dr. Wanda or Dr. Diva sounds good, but I will always be just Wanda.  And I will appreciate your love and support forever!

Our day at MSU (L to R back row): Brandon Herndon, Dr. Prabu David, dean of MSU’s College of Communications Arts and Sciences, Pamela Sherrod Anderson, Mary Broadway (sister), Dad. (L to R front row): Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters — Bessie Davis, Marion McGhee, Debbie Smith and Lorraine Burn.

My wonderful family: nephew Brandon Herndon, sister Mary Broadway, and Dad joined me for this beautiful occasion. Several of my relatives across the country streamed my address and sent beautiful messages. The sacrifices of our family ancestors have put the Herndon Family on the map. Thank you.

My Dad is the smartest person I know! He was actually the “star” of MSU’s graduation.

Me and Prabu with this year’s Wanda J. Herndon Scholarship recipient, Brandi Scarber (B.A. Journalism).  Coincidentally, Brandi was the student speaker at the College of Communications Arts and Sciences commencement on May 4.  I am so proud of her!