Norfolk State University will hold its May Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 9 a.m. in William “Dick” Price Stadium on the NSU campus, where more than 600 graduates will receive their diplomas.

A highlight of the ceremony will be special guest, actress, producer, activist and author Sheryl Lee Ralph. Ralph, whose career spans film, TV and theater, was honored recently with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the TV category. She currently stars in ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary, for which she earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of “Barbara Howard,” Abbott’s veteran teacher. In winning the Emmy, Ralph made history as one of the few Black women to win in that category. In addition, she won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, while the show has won several awards.

Ralph’s role as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls earned her a Tony Award nomination. On the big screen, she has worked with some of Hollywood’s most notable and award-winning leading men and women, including Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Danny Glover, Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Rene Russo, Susan Sarandon and Bette Midler.

Her other notable credits include Moesha, To Sleep with Anger, Sister Act 2, and Ray Donovan. A gifted singer, Ralph, has also released music and performed internationally.

Beyond entertainment, Ralph is a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist. She is the founder of the D.I.V.A. Foundation (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware), a nonprofit focused on health advocacy and HIV/AIDS awareness. She is also a fierce supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, education, and equity in the arts.

Wife to Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania and mother to Etienne and Ivy Maurice, Ralph continues to inspire through her voice, presence, and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities.