A celebration of 75 years of Roosevelt University

Commencement

Coretta Scott King gives the Commencement address

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1971

coretta king

After the assassination of her husband Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Coretta Scott King took on a prominent leadership role in the civil rights movement. She challenged injustice and advocated for women’s rights as she sought to uphold her husband’s legacy.

The activist and author addressed Roosevelt graduates at Commencement in 1971. University president Rolf Weil presented her with the Leadership for Freedom Award.

Oprah gives Commencement speech

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May 21, 2000

Oprah Winfrey and her employee and Roosevelt alum Beverly Lockhart

Oprah Winfrey urged graduates to seek their calling during her address in 2000. “When you decide that your life will be different, that your circumstances will be different, that your environment will be different — when you decide, that is when it changes,” Winfrey told the crowd of 3,800 in the Auditorium Theatre.