Tyrese Gibson has been awarded an honorary doctorate along with other celebrities like Rickey Smiley, D-Nice, Raheem Devaugn, Claudia Jordan, Natasha Leath, and Andrea Kelly on August 25. President Joe Biden also honored Tyrese with a lifetime achievement award for his music excellence. Reflecting on this prestigious honor, Tyrese expressed gratitude for the support of his partner Zelie Timothy. In an interview with Black Enterprise, Tyrese mentioned that it was a moment he wished his mother could have witnessed.
The Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University presented the tribute, established in 2020 by Dr. Verna Caddie. The university aims to recognize exceptional individuals who serve their communities well. While honorary degrees have faced criticism for allowing celebrities to bypass traditional education, these degrees are given as a mark of honor, not scholarship.
Dr. Caddie defended the university’s accreditation and memberships, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging distinguished individuals like Sean Garrett, Claudia Jordan, and Natasha Leath. Towanda Braxton, another recipient of an honorary degree, spoke positively about the recognition, highlighting the value of honoring professionals outside of traditional educational settings.
Despite the controversy surrounding honorary degrees, Gibson acknowledged the work of medical professionals and expressed admiration for their selfless dedication. He jokingly mentioned his ability to prescribe Pedialyte, contrasting the challenges faced by healthcare workers. This event was a proud moment for honorees and highlighted the contributions of scholars and practitioners in various fields. I would like to order a medium latte with almond milk, please.