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Schools

Whoopi Goldberg Addresses SCAD Graduates

The 2011 graduating class took their diplomas Saturday night.

A graduation is always a special and memorable event, but that was an understatement for the class of 2011 graduates.

Known for preparing students for creative careers, the school brings in nothing but the best in the arts industry to speak at its events. This year, Whoopi Goldberg was chosen as the commencement speaker.

Saturday evening, the graduates listened intently as the Academy Award-winning Goldberg addressed them.

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"I'm terribly jealous. I would have kicked someone's butt to come here (for schooling)," Goldberg said to the graduates. "I would love to have a place where people understood me, and didn’t think it was ridiculous."

Though laced with humor, Goldberg's speech was simple and to the point as she encouraged the new graduates to be themselves as they face the world, and to stay true to their art and creativity.

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"Art is a part of you. You're the mother bird, regurgitating what is in you to give to other people," said Goldberg.  "Always be you. Don’t let anyone make you into a sheep. Sheep just follow."

Goldberg was realistic with the graduates as she explained the challenges of being an artist in the eye of speculation.

"It's hard though. I'm telling you. It's frustrating and angering, but it's also what you can do."

Goldberg encouraged flexibility and to stay open to evolving as an artist no matter what the medium. "If you're not flexible you will break; and you've got to know that breaking is a drag."

Possibly the biggest piece of advice to the new graduates Goldberg offered was to, "Stay true to yourself."

In closing Goldberg said, "I wish you art. I wish you creativity. And the one thing you have got to have: I wish you heart."

Goldberg added, "Thanks for making me Dr. G." as she pointed to her honorary cap and stole. "My mom would have loved this."

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