Emmy Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson delivered more than just an inspiring address during Talladega College’s 150th Commencement Ceremony — she made history.
While speaking to graduates on May 4, Merkerson pledged a $1 million gift to the Alabama-based historically Black college, marking one of the largest donations in the institution’s 158-year history.
“This contribution will have a profound impact on our college,” said Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the Talladega College Board of Trustees, in a statement to CBS affiliate WIAT 42. “It ensures that Talladega remains a beacon in the community—nurturing and developing future generations of leaders.”
The prestigious HBCU, founded in 1867, is Alabama’s oldest private historically Black college and has long been a cornerstone of African American academic excellence in the South. Merkerson’s donation was not only financial but deeply personal.
“It’s important to give back,” she said during 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.”
In recognition of her generous donation and influential career, the college awarded Merkerson an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
A powerhouse in film, television, and theater, Merkerson is best known for her iconic role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on NBC’s Law & Order, appearing in more than 390 episodes over 17 seasons. She currently stars as hospital administrator Sharon Goodwin on Chicago Med, and her Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance in Lackawanna Blues further cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.
Though she didn’t attend an HBCU herself—Merkerson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Wayne State University in Detroit—her commitment to supporting Black educational institutions has resonated powerfully within the Talladega community and beyond.
Merkerson’s remarkable gesture is a reminder of the power of legacy, leadership, and giving back.
