We are sending our kudos to Missy Elliott as she was recently recognized by Norfolk State University.

Missy Elliott, The Keynote Speaker

On Dec. 10, the Hip-Hop icon delivered a keynote speech to a class of 400 students, which she referred to as “innovators, visionaries, leaders” over the weekend, according to The Virginian Pilot.

“I am proud of y’all, and y’all should be proud of y’all self,” Elliott said, according to Billboard. “I want you to look at each other and say, ‘You already won.’ Let ’em know! Ain’t no winning, you already the one. ‘Cause y’all coulda been doing anything else the last few years, y’all coulda been wildin’ out, but y’all decided to finish the course. And that’s major.”

The Virginia native’s time at the university was a full-circle moment.

Elliott shared she once played music in her car at the Historical Black College and University, even though she wasn’t a student. Now, she is a four-time Grammy award-winning artist, proving anything is possible.

Missy Elliott Receives Two Honors

Missy Elliott was also awarded the Presidential Commencement Medallion and an honorary doctorate, marking her second time reaching this milestone.

She first received an honorary doctorate degree from Berklee College of Music in 2019.

“Two time Doctorate ‘Dr. Elliott’ I am so Grateful🙏🏾Thank you @Norfolkstate for having me today🙌🏾 To the Class Of 2022′ May your Journey be Successful/ Fearless/ Determined to be the BEST! Behold The Green & Gold,” Missy Elliot wrote on Twitter.

Missy Elliott Makes A Donation

Missy Elliott then closed out the ceremony by making the announcement that she would be blessing the institution with a $20,000 check. She told the university her only request for her contribution was for it to be allocated toward “the area of greatest need,” a spokesperson for the school said, The Virginian Pilot reports.