James Earl Jones- or as we Old Schoolers remember him as, “Roop” from the Claudine movie- was joined by Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, on Thursday (May 25, 2017), at Harvard University’s graduation ceremony. The acting icon, and social media pioneer were both gifted with honorary degrees.
Zuckerberg was was given an honorary ‘Doctor of Laws’ degree. This now makes Zuckerberg’s world complete…at least in the eyes of his parents, whom he says were happy he finally got the degree from what would have been his alma matar, had he not dropped out to build Facebook. For a college dropout, it’s probably safe to assume that Zuckerberg’s Mom and Pops aren’t too displeased about their $33 year old billionaire son’s outcome.
As far as Mr. Jones a.k.a. the “Simba” himself, he was honored with a ‘Doctor of Arts’ honorary degree. During the ceremony, the iconic OG seemed grateful to have been paid homage for his decades of dedication to his craft. After losing the love of his life, his wife of 34 years, Cecilia Hart to ovarian cancer in October 2016, he’s been doing his best to hold his head eye and keep on keeping on. earlier this year (2017, he starred in the American Repertory Theater’s “Night of the Iguana” at Harvard.
Jones, an 86 year old University of Michigan graduate, has just about seen it all. He’s come from the small town of Arkabutla, Mississippi to Hollywood; from having a severe stuttering problem as a kid, to one of the most recognizable powerful voices in the entertainment industry. He is a true inspiration to us all.
Zuckerberg started Facebook while at Harvard and also met his wife, Priscilla Chan, there. He gave the commencement speech this year (12 years after dropping out) and reminded the graduates that: “Change starts local. Even global changes start small — with people like us. […] And this is my story too. A student in a dorm room, connecting one community at a time, and keeping at it until one day we can connect the whole world.”
Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla- both philanthropists- have pledged to give away 99% of their wealth throughout their lifetime.
James Earl Jones- whose also known for his humanitarian work- and Mark Zuckerberg, along with the other 8 honorees, gave Harvard’s 2017 graduate class a little bit more to reach for as they embark on a brand new chapter of opportunity in their lives.
