Having won Two Academy Awards, five Academy Award nominations and a Tony Award, Denzel Washington needs no introduction. Recently, he delivered the Keynote Address at Dillard University 2015 Commencement Ceremony. Washington is no stranger to Dillard University. He set up a scholarship program for students in the theater department, eight of whom were graduating, one of whom was the class Valedictorian. The program at Dillard is the oldest among the HBCU (historically black colleges and universities). He left the 218 Dillard Grads and the audience with four pillars as advice for living that you would not want to miss.
Denzel Spoke Words to live by:
1. Put God first: “Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand that. It’s a gift. … I didn’t always stick with Him, but He stuck with me.”
2. Fail big: “Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals, are just dreams. And they ultimately fuel disappointment. … I try to give myself a goal every day, sometimes it’s just not to curse somebody out.”
3. You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse: “I don’t care how much money you make, you can’t take it with you. … It’s not how much you have, it’s what you do with it.”
4. While you’re on your knees in the morning, say thank you: “Say thank you in advance for what is already yours. … True desire in the heart for anything good is God’s proof to you sent beforehand that it’s already yours. … When you get it, reach back, pull someone else up. Each one, teach one. Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.”
The University bestowed an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters upon Washington. After his remarks and receipt of the honorary degree, Washington rushed to Wiley College in Marshall, TX, another HBCU, to give the commencement address.
During the speech, Washington candidly admitted that he once had a 1.7 GPA in college.
