Tracee Ellis Ross receives honorary doctorate from alma mater

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross is adding doctor to her resume after receiving an honorary degree from scholars at her alma mater, the prestigious Brown University.

The Black-ish star, daughter of the legendary Diana Ross, returned to Rhode Island on Sunday (24May15) to be feted alongside the Class of 2015 and documented the ceremony with posts on Instagram.com.

She recapped the eventful day on her blog on Monday (25May15), writing, "Call me Dr. Ross! I was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Brown University, my alma mater, and I am humbled and thrilled! I know I'm not really a doctor now but I won't belittle a moment like this. It was a moving and exciting weekend!"

Ross, 42, reveals she was "the youngest and the only person of color" presented with an honorary doctorate at the weekend presentation, and goes on to add, "In my degree it says I was honored because of my 'grace, talent and strong sense of self....work that combines detailed knowledge of human nature with boldness...a passion for facilitating self-expression and broadening the definition of what is beautiful...dedication to helping others particularly teenage girls, find their inner strength, confidence and pathways to satisfaction...creating common ground with women of all backgrounds... And a continued desire to push the boundaries of imagination.'"

Ross originally graduated from the Ivy League school in 1994 with a theater degree.