Vanessa Williams Finally Receives Degree From Syracuse

Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams left Syracuse University in 1983 when she became the first African American Miss America. After almost 25 years, she finally received her degree.

Some of us are old enough to remember how Williams’ reign as Miss America went. She was forced to resign her position after Penthouse Magazine published sexually explicit photos of her. They may have been considered ‘tame’ by today’s scandal standards, but it was a different time.

Her life has taken some interesting twists and turns since then, culminating in the mega-success of becoming the evil diva Wilhelmina on Ugly Betty.

Saturday, eveything came full circle as Williams received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse. “These days are irreplaceable and are the beginning of the rest of your life,” Williams, the nine-time Grammy nominee, said in a speech to graduates. “Treasure the moment.”

Indeed, Vanessa.

Source: NY Daily News
Image: Newscom