Students, Faculty, Alumni,

I'd like to thank you for the prestigious honor that you have bestowed upon me today. I've received numerous awards and accolades throughout my professional career, but receiving my honorary Doctorate from Drexel University is truly meaningful and exciting. I am very grateful.

If you have ever been to any of my concerts, you'll know that I always end my performances by singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". It expresses joy, peace, freedom…..It elevates the spirit, removes all limitations. It is a song about freedom and reaching the top ….. It is a song which inspires you to set your pace, your goals you're your future. This song is symbolic of what I believe. I have sung it for over 15 years and I truly believe that you should always strive to reach that rainbow in your life. It is a song that says yes I can – If birds can fly, then why can't I? Why shouldn't I soar?

I have been in the entertainment business for over 40 years. I have had many rainbow, mountain top experiences, but I have also had my dry, deep in the valley experiences. This is the day that so many of you have dreamed about. Take a moment to silently express appreciation for those people in your life who have encouragingly supported you and prayed for you.

Having been in the business for so many years I have learned a few things that I would like to share with you. First – Life is a journey, not a destination, so expect many small adventures along the way. As a friend of mine used to say –"Every exit is an entrance to someplace else." Many of you look, feel and walk confidently into the future; whereas, others may have mixed feelings. For some of you this will be the first time that you are truly on your own and believe me I can identify with that. I used to be part of a group called the Bluebelles, then LaBelle. I know that many of you are familiar with the song "Lady Marmalade" and you probably thought that Pink, Lil Kim, Mya and Christina Aguilliera recorded it first – but they didn't. Miss Patti and LaBelle recorded it 28 years ago. We worked hard, seven days a week, long hours and not always under the best working conditions. I know it is hard to believe, but sometimes I had to be coaxed to go on stage. After singing with them for many years I decided to go solo. It wasn't easy to break from friends that I loved admired and respected, but I knew it was time to move on, time to make that change if I wanted to achieve greater professional growth.

Business can be tough and life can be tough, but how you experience things depends on your personal perspective. In my business they say you're only as good as your last record, unless you are Patti LaBelle (smile). I say you are as good as you think you are. Learn to listen to that still, small voice within and always follow your dreams, no matter what others may say.

The point I'm making is this: As you move through your professional career you may decide that it's not satisfying, you may become disillusioned because it doesn't afford you the opportunities for professional growth that you thought it would. It pays the rent, but you want more, you've already bloomed where you were planted and it is time to move on, but you are shackled by fear. It is okay to change your mind if you find that you are not moving in the right direction. I know it can be scary, but every exit is an entrance to someplace else. The universe will support you once you make up your mind.

When I was trying to decide whether or not to leave the group and go solo, I remember what my friend singer and writer Laura Nyro said, "many a false step is made by standing still". In other words, when you are faced with a decision and you decide to do nothing, you have made a choice. Fear is a very restrictive emotion, so what you must remember is this – you will only run out of chances when you stop taking chances. Another important thing I have learned to do and hopefully you will too, is to guard the contents of your mind. Remove yourself from negativity and from those people who are constantly tearing away at your dreams or saying what cannot be done.

You are the fortunate ones who received encouraging words from parents, teachers, friends and coaches. You did not rise to the top without support. Therefore, it is essential that you share what you have and what you have learned. It can be wealth, knowledge, or a kind word. As you assume roles of leadership and move toward the rainbow of your mountain top experience you must remain open to new ideas and continue giving back to those around you. Several years ago I recorded a song titled "When You've Been Blessed". The first couple of lines say, "When you've been blessed it feels like heaven. I love this song because it reminds us that we must pass our blessings on.

How do you plan to pass it on? How can you utilize and express more of your talents to create more peace, joy and abundance for yourself and others. My greatest joy has always come from helping others. Make a decision today to always share your knowledge and your talents with those that are less fortunate and you will continue to be blessed as you are on this day!