o girls, harpo, o design, o magazineIn part, because of her work with the Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, Oprah Winfrey has been named the Commencement Convocation speaker for Howard University's 139th graduating class on Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. on the upper quadrangle of the main campus. She will receive a Doctor of Humanities honoris causa.

"The entire Howard University community is delighted that Ms. Winfrey has accepted our invitation to speak at our 139th commencement," said Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert. "An already special event will be made more so by the outstanding gift of her presence. We look forward eagerly to hear from one of the world's best loved and most inspirational figures."

In January 2007, Oprah opened the Leadership Academy for Girls near Johannesburg in South Africa, one of many examples of her dedication and commitment to investing in education for underserved children both nationally and internationally.
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