Vanessa Williams Graduates from Syracuse

Actress/singer Vanessa Williams, 45, graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from Syracuse University, according to Access Hollywood. Williams dropped out of Syracuse 25 years ago to become the first African-American Miss America. She attended the university from 1981-1983 as a theater major, and earned the rest of her credits through her industry work on stage and on screen. She became Miss America in 1983, but surrendered her title after Penthouse Magazine released nude photos of Williams that had been taken previously.

Since then, Williams has performed on Broadway, sold more than 4 million albums, starred in movies, become a spokesperson for Proactive Solution, and is now starring in ABC's Ugly Betty. Williams has also won a Tony, received two NAACP Image Awards, and nine Grammy nominations, all according to Access Hollywood and the Associated Press.

Williams gave the convocation address at her graduation, telling graduates to "Treasure this moment," and "These days are irreplaceable and are the beginning of the rest of your life," according to the Syracuse Post-Standard Web site. Williams shared the occasion with her mother and children.