Viola Davis to be honored at URI

KINGSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – Viola Davis will receive an honorary degree from the University of Rhode Island in May.

Davis, as well as Charles M. Royce and Deborah Goodrich Royce, known for their literary success and preservation work across Rhode Island, will receive recognition on May 18. Davis is one of only 19 people to have ever won all four of the major America performing art awards.  The Royce Family Fund was instrumental in building the Westerly Education Center, and Deborah’s book, Reef Road, is a national best seller.

One of only 19 people to have ever won all four of the major American performing art awards; including a Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Davis holds a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Rhode Island College, and is also a graduate of Central Falls High School.

She is well known for her roles in How to Get Away with Murder, Fences, and The Help. 

The University will honor more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate degree candidates from Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19.

In a statement, President of URI Marc Parlange said: 

“I could not be more pleased with this year’s honorary degree recipients, whose lives and work serve as an inspiration to our university and exemplify impressive achievements and contributions to the arts, philanthropy, business, and public service. Each of our recipients has had a meaningful impact on their field, our state, and the world, and they embody the values we work to instill in all our students. We warmly welcome them into the URI community, and I look forward to honoring them during our commencement activities next month.”

In a statement, Barbara Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said:

“As a public research university with students pursuing so many exciting careers, it is inspiring to welcome honorary degree recipients who exemplify commitment to craft, to one’s values, and to giving back. We are grateful for their leadership and look forward to the opportunity to honor their incredible achievements at this year’s URI commencement.”