In fall 2008, world-famous literary legend Dr. Maya Angelou delivered an address full of wit and wisdom at an inauguration event for Shenandoah University’s 16th president, Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D. The university also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to the renowned poet, author, educator, actress, filmmaker and civil rights activist, who died today, May 28, at age 86.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear that our friend, Dr. Maya Angelou, passed away today,” said President Fitzsimmons. “I first met Maya during my inauguration. She impressed everyone with her incredible capacity for truth and her commitment to literacy and social justice. Her creative and literary voice resonated across a variety of media within our culture – making contributions to literature, to women, to education and to our society. Her passing is a cultural loss for this world.”
In a pre-inauguration presentation, Dr. Angelou spoke of the value of education as a way to shed light and invigorate society. She began her speech by singing a short verse from a spiritual folk song inspired by a statement about the Biblical flood in Genesis and the resulting rainbow that shed light and hope after the storm.
“I know that each one of us has the possibility…the responsibility …to light someone’s path,” said Angelou. “And I know that is what Shenandoah University is here for. This institution of higher education is built and maintained to encourage, to light the path of people who need their paths enlightened. It’s set here in this valley so that people, who may not have thought they had hope, can see Shenandoah and have hope.”
Angelou is considered one of the great voices of contemporary literature. Over a 50-year career, she authored autobiographies, dozens of books of literature as well as poetry and essays; appeared on the Broadway stage, in films and in television shows; wrote and directed plays; and recorded spoken-word albums.
Angelou received the country’s highest civilian honor in 2010, when she received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. She also served on two presidential committees and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Lincoln Medal in 2008. She is the recipient of more than 50 honorary degrees from colleges and universities around the world.