Sean 'Diddy' Combs Gives Howard University Commencement Speech and Earns Honorary Doctorate

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May 16, 2014, 07:00 ET

NEW YORK, May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sean 'Diddy' Combs had the honor of delivering the 2014 commencement speech to the graduating class at Howard University this past Saturday for the 146^th Commencement Convocation. Recently named one of the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine and CNN, Combs was honored for the degree, Doctor of Humanities.

Combs' highly successful clothing brand, Sean John recently rolled out with their latest campaign, Dream BIG, which exemplifies today's generation of smart and motivated individuals.

As the newly minted Dr. Combs engaged the graduating seniors of Howard University on how to further drive success in life, the Dream Big concept played part encouraging them to strive for nothing but the best, exemplifying the idea to Dream BIG.

"When I was growing up I had this favorite uncle," explained Mr. Combs as he addressed the graduating class. "He told me don't be afraid to close your eyes and dream, but then open your eyes and see. I want you to take the craziest dream you've ever had, that dream that you're too embarrassed to tell anyone about. I want you to go after it; I want you to do."

Jeff Tweedy, President of Sean John had this to say, "When Sean 'Diddy' Combs founded the brand, his intent was to create a line for those that strive for something greater; to be the best in their respective fields…for those that Dream Big,"

Combs went on to tell the story of his time at Howard and how some of the most influential years of his life were spent at the university molding him into the brand master and music icon he is today.

"Now some of your dreams are going to take longer than you think. It took most of you four years to get here, some of you five, some of you six. But I got you all beat; it took me 26 years to get on this stage so let me take my time and look at you. Let me realize where I'm at. Let me live in this moment and be present right now. We are here today celebrating. Today is not my day, today is your day; today is about the power of you," Combs continued.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs attended Howard University and earned an honorary doctorate. He is currently Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Comb Enterprises, one of the preeminent groups of companies and brands worldwide.

About Sean John - Sean John, a privately held company, was created by music icon Sean "Diddy" Combs and made its fashion debut with a men's sportswear collection in 1998. In 2004, Sean "Diddy" Combs for Sean John was honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America as Men's Wear Designer of the Year. With annual retail sales in the United States of over $450 million, Sean John remains one of the most impressive full lifestyle brands in the US and around the world. Sean John, in partnership with Estee Lauder Companies, has launched two signature men's fragrance, Unforgivable and I AM KING, as well as Unforgivable Women's. Both men's fragrances have won the FiFi awards in the best men's fragrance prestige category. In May of 2010 Sean John signed a deal with Macy's to be the exclusive U.S. department store retailer for the Sean John men's sportswear collection beginning in Holiday 2010. The Sean John product will be available online at macys.com and in over 400 Macy's stores across the country, with additional doors to be added in the years ahead. Learn more at www.seanjohn.com

Video - http://youtu.be/LHnb-WA0kI0

SOURCE Sean John