Usher inspires Emory graduates with keynote address

Usher speaks at Emory graduation

Emory University's Class of 2025 received a little bit of inspiration from a music superstar before they go out in the world. Atlanta's own Usher was the keynote speaker for the 180th Commencement ceremony on Monday morning.

ATLANTA - Emory University's Class of 2025 received a little bit of inspiration from a music superstar before they go out in the world.

Atlanta's own Usher was the keynote speaker for the 180th Commencement ceremony on Monday morning.

Usher full Emory University keynote address

Grammy Award-winning artist Usher Raymond IV delivered Emory University's keynote address at the 180th Commencement. Usher also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

What we know:

The university announced that Usher would be the keynote speaker earlier this year.

As part of the ceremony, the Grammy Award winner will also get an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

"There are few artists in the history of popular music who have innovated as ceaselessly as Usher," Emory President Gregory L. Fenves said. "Through acclaimed albums, era-defining songs, global tours and live performances that showcase his peerless talent as a singer, songwriter and dancer, Usher has connected profoundly with generations of fans, building a dedicated audience that continues to grow."

In this image released on August 2, Usher performs onstage during a taping of iHeartRadio’s Living Black 2023 Block Party in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio )

Emory officials also highlighted Usher's musical achievements as well as his work founding Usher's New Look, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on serving teens in need. The program has worked extensively with the university's Goizueta Business School, helping middle school students learn financial literacy and emphasize the importance of education through its "Powered by Service" leadership program.

Usher delivering Emory's commencement keynote address

Emory University's Class of 2025 will get some inspiration from a music superstar at its 180th Commencement ceremony.

"New Look fills a critical need by stepping up to help students realize their potential," Fenves said. "Emory University has been proud to partner with this incredible organization over the years."  

What they're saying:

"I have spent my life following my spark — my passion — and trying to support young people as they find and follow their own passions," Usher says. "I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to these incredible Emory students as they graduate and prepare to make their mark on the world."

Dig deeper:

Monday's event was moved indoors due to possible severe weather. It was originally scheduled to happen on the Quandrangle.

The event was divided into two ceremonies, and students have received details about which ceremony they have been assigned to.

The first ceremony began at 8 a.m. with doors opening for guests at 7 a.m.

The second ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. with doors at 9 a.m.

Both ceremonies took place in the Woodruff Physical Education Center. Due to space limitations, each student will receive three guest tickets. 

More than 55,000 students were expected to get their diplomas as part of the ceremony.