News and Media

Article By: Laura Swanson
Published: Jun 13, 2011

Whoopi Goldberg is smitten with SCAD. The acclaimed actress, comedian and cultural provocateur delivered the Savannah College of Art and Design's 2011 commencement ceremony address in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, and later championed the university live on "The View."

On Saturday, June 4, Goldberg charmed audiences at the Savannah Civic Center before taking the stage for an evening ceremony at the Georgia World Congress Center. During her speech in Savannah, Goldberg noted the inclusive and inspiring university environment at SCAD. "When I was a kid I dreamed of this place: a place where film and media and liberal arts and design and fashion and architecture could live," she said.

Goldberg's address also stressed the importance of remaining true to oneself, and she encouraged SCAD's newest alumni continued devotion to their unique artistic style while emphasizing the need for an artist to be flexible. "Art is ever evolving, whether you're an actor or a sculptor or a dancer or a painter," she said. "I wish you art. I wish you creativity, and I wish you the one thing that you must also have in order to create - and that's heart."

During her illustrious and extraordinarily recognized professional life, Goldberg has shown how diverse talents, drive to succeed and the heart she emphasized in her commencement address can lead to a successful creative career. Goldberg is one of an elite group of artists who have won the Grammy, the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, the Emmy and a Tony. Goldberg is also well known for her humanitarian efforts and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations. SCAD honored Goldberg with an honorary doctor of humane letters at this year's commencement ceremony and she can now add her degree from SCAD to her extensive list of accolades.

On Monday, June 6, Goldberg celebrated SCAD on "The View," a popular TV morning talk and entertainment program on ABC. During the opening moments of the program, Goldberg appeared on set donning her gown, stole, hood and Tudor bonnet from the Saturday SCAD ceremonies. Goldberg serves as moderator for the program and was accompanied at the desk by co-hosts Barbara Walters - who greeted her as "Dr. Goldberg" - Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Goldberg's regalia were a lighthearted reference to her time at SCAD but she spoke seriously about the university's opportunities for students. "If you're getting out of high school and you're an artist this is a school you want to look at going into because it's amazing," she said.

Watch Whoopi Goldberg on "The View."