Latest news with #Merkerson
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU gifted $1 million from Law & Order star
Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson has made a generous $1 million donation to Talladega College, an Alabama HBCU, according to multiple media reports. Merkerson served as the keynote speaker for the Alabama-based institution's 150th commencement ceremony, held on May 4. Talladega College is the oldest private historically Black college in the state. Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the college's Board of Trustees, praised the gift and highlighted its significance. "This contribution will have a profound impact on our college," Lewis-Payton said in a statement to WIAT CBS 42. "It ensures that Talladega remains a beacon in the community-nurturing and developing future generations of leaders. We are truly fortunate to have generous supporters like Ms. Merkerson, who believe in our mission and are committed to investing in our future." In recognition of her contributions and accomplishments, the college awarded Merkerson an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Reflecting on her donation, Merkerson shared her motivation. "It's important to give back," she said in a televised interview. "I've had a fortunate career, and during my visit here, I met some incredible people who welcomed me warmly. It felt like home. I'm inspired by what this college has accomplished over the past 150 years." Best known for her long-running role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order, she appeared in over 390 episodes. Merkerson currently stars as Sharon Goodwin on NBC's Chicago Med. Her acclaimed film roles include Lackawanna Blues, Radio, and Black Snake Moan. She earned an Emmy and Golden Globe for her powerful performance in Lackawanna Blues. A celebrated stage actress, she has also appeared in Broadway productions such as The Piano Lesson. Merkerson's career reflects her depth, versatility, and lasting impact on American entertainment. Merkerson didn't attend an HBCU, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Prior to that, she attended Eastern Michigan University but transferred to Wayne State to focus more specifically on her theater studies. The post HBCU gifted $1 million from Law & Order star appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Talladega College commencement speaker announces $1 million donation to school
TALLADEGA, Ala. (WIAT) — Actor, humanitarian and philanthropist S. Epatha Merkerson delivered the commencement address at Talladega College Sunday. Following her speech, she announced that she was making a $1 million donation to the school. 'This transformative gift from S. Epatha Merkerson sets a powerful example of philanthropy and will have a profound impact on Talladega College,' Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of Talladega's Board of Trustees, said in a statement. 'It ensures that this institution remains a beacon of light in the community that fosters the development of future leaders for generations to come. We are privileged to have generous friends and donors, such as Ms. Merkerson, who believe in the mission of our historic institution and who are willing to invest in its future.' Merkerson, known for her work on 'Chicago Med' and 'Law and Order,' is also an advocate for diabetes awareness, cancer prevention and tobacco-free initiatives. She has also worked with organizations dedicated to mentoring young women, like Shaping Her Earth and Step Up. During her commencement address, Merkerson discussed her appreciation for Talladega College and the legacy of the school. She was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
