Stanford Graduation Marks Milestone for OWLAG Alumna
On Sunday, June 16, 2024, Oprah Winfrey attended Stanford University’s commencement ceremony to celebrate a remarkable achievement. Dr. Bongeka Zuma, an alumna of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa, received her Doctor of Medicine degree.
This event marked a significant milestone in Zuma’s journey from a small community in KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a Stanford-educated doctor.
Winfrey expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “One of the great joys of my life was to see her walk across that stage! Knowing where she’s come from, a small community in KwaZulu-Natal, and how strongly she believed in becoming a doctor.”
From OWLAG to Oxford: A Journey of Excellence
Dr. Zuma’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication and the opportunities provided by OWLAG. She was part of the inaugural class at Winfrey’s boarding school, which opened in 2007. Out of more than 3,000 applicants, only 152 were accepted.
Her path to success includes:
- Graduating summa cum laude from Spelman College in Georgia
- Earning a master’s degree at Oxford University in England
- Completing her medical degree at Stanford University
Oprah’s Vision: Empowering Girls Through Education
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, established in 2007 in Henley-on-Klip, South Africa, aims to provide quality education to girls from challenging backgrounds.
The tuition-free boarding school boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a robust support network of educators, psychologists, and social workers.
Winfrey’s motivation behind the school was “to build a school for girls who are like me.” She considers the students “the daughters I did not have” and her “greatest, deepest joy.”
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Excellence
In a 2012 episode of “Oprah’s Great Expectations,” Zuma reflected on the pressure to excel at OWLAG. “I guess when you bring girls…from all over South Africa…you bring girls who have been number one at their schools…competing to want to be great.”
Winfrey acknowledged the challenges but praised Zuma’s perseverance, saying, “She never gave up, and with a support team of good friends, fellow OWLAG sisters and professors, we all celebrated her achievement with great pride.”
A Celebration of Success and Future Aspirations
The Stanford graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion for Dr. Zuma, surrounded by friends, fellow OWLAG alumnae, and professors. Winfrey, who has attended 22 graduations for her “daughter-girls” from the Leadership Academy, noted that this one “was extra special.”
