PROVIDENCE — “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born,” said award-winning actress and Rhode Island native, Viola Davis, to an arena packed with graduates eager to hear her advice.
Click here for more photos.The critically acclaimed actress of film, television and theater, received an honorary doctor of fine arts degree and presented the commencement address at the 94th annual graduation ceremony for Providence College at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Davis was one of five distinguished individuals who were chosen to receive honorary doctoral degrees from the College, including Charles J. Goetz, Ph.D., Catherine Granato, Paul A. Kearney, Jr., M.D., and Deacon Patrick J.A. Moynihan, who heads The Haitian Project, a tuition-free Catholic boarding school for economically disadvantaged, but academically gifted students outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The initiative began at St. Joseph Parish in Providence more than 25 years ago.
Davis encouraged the graduates that their purpose, that specific person that God created them to be, is right in front of them.
“Your authentic self is constantly trapped under the weight of the most negative forces in this world and it will be an everyday battle,” she shared. “Sometimes you will feel that who you are is hidden away like a piece of really great jewelry that you keep in a box and you only take it out during special occasions. The good news is that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”
It was with great enthusiasm and school pride that the 1,192 men and women graduated from Providence College, celebrating their accomplishments and taking the next step into the world to become the people they were meant to be.
For many students, preparing for their futures was a team effort, said Danielle Ladd, senior class president. Thanks to loving families and a supportive academic community, the graduates were able to transform their lives academically and spiritually.
“To attend P.C. has been a privilege,” she said. “We have a lot to be proud of today. Our futures are filled with changes and transformations. Our future awaits us.”
Dominican Father Brian J. Shanley, president of Providence College, advised graduates to take the time for prayer and to fully contemplate choices when making decisions.
“The more your life is marked by slow thinking the better life you’ll lead,” he said. “Take the time to pray and think things through. It’s highest form of human activity. I hope and pray that you know the value of slow thinking in your life.”
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras advised the students to stay involved in the community, schools, and local government, adding that Providence College plays an important role for the city.
“We have Providence College grads across the state making a huge difference in Rhode Island. You will be well prepared to do whatever,” he said. “We need young people involved. You bring a perspective that is needed.”
In an interview before the commencement with Rhode Island Catholic, Davis, who attends a non-denominational church with her family in Los Angeles, said that when she feels weighed down from demanding schedules and big screen projects, she takes time for prayer.
“I always have to remind myself, when I get overwhelmed, that I have God to talk to,” she shared. “He can relieve the anxiety and the worry. Every time I pray, my worry is relieved and I have this true understanding of what God has put on my heart. Every time I pray, I’m reminded that all of my needs are absolutely taken care of.”
In August of 2011, Davis captivated audiences and critics alike with her portrayal of Aibileen Clark in the award-winning film, “The Help.” Her role in the film won her a Screen Actors Guild Award for “Best Actress” as well as Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations in the same category. Davis was also honored with the 2012 Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts from Trinity Repertory Company at the 16th annual Pell Awards on Monday.
The labyrinth of the future is fully known by the heroes that have gone before them, Davis told the graduates, encouraging them to live their lives with bravery.
“To the 1200 heroes of Providence College, your commencement begins with the call to adventure and it comes full circle with your freedom to live,” she said. “So I say, go on and live.”
