Vanessa Williams finally getting her degree
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -May 6, 2008 The 45-year-old actress-singer, who stars in ABC's "Ugly
Betty," will also deliver the convocation address Saturday to
graduates of Syracuse's College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Williams attended Syracuse's drama department as a musical
theater major from 1981-1983. She earned the remaining credits for
her degree through industry experience and performances on stage
and screen.
In 1983, Williams became the first black Miss America. She
surrendered the title in July 1984 after Penthouse magazine
published nude, sexually explicit photographs of her taken several
years earlier.
Over her career, Williams has sold more than 4 million albums,
won critical praise for her performances on Broadway, made dozens
of TV appearances and starred in several movies.
She has won a Tony, received two NAACP Image Awards and nine
Grammy nominations.
In 1996, Williams received the George Arents Pioneer Medal, the
university's most prestigious alumni award.
