I think it is very important for hollywood to show kids the importance of an education. Whether we like it or not, our children look up to stars and watch their every move... I'm glad that in this case, children will see that education is an important part of being successful. Way to go Vanessa!

Does this mean she didn't have to study to graduate? She just received a diploma for being succesful in the entertainment industry? If that is so, I think it is wrong.

If she did have to study, take the tests etc. Congrats!

You dont need a piece of paper and thousands of dollars in debit to be a sucessful person.

Sarita- Her major is musical theatre so her work counts as credits, it's not like she's studying engineering.

Congrats to Vanessa!! And majority of colleges if not all colleges accept "life experiences" as credit.

Jen, that's insulting to people who have college degrees and trust me, they aren't easy to get but they can actually lead to a better career and it also gives you a chance to really think about what you want to do with your life. Nothing in life is free. When, if ,I get my college degree it will be more to me than a "piece of paper" as you put it. It would be proof that my hard work paid off.

I think this wonderful and really terrific for her kids to see this achievement. Congratulations, Vanessa!

We also don't know how many credits she had before she left school. She could have been only a few credits shy from completing her degree.

It doesn't take away from the achievements of others or devalue what it means to earn a college degree. I believe "life experience" should be rewarded and Vanessa's life experience is clearly related to her major at Syracuse.

Bravo to Vanessa!! If I recall correctly she was a student at Syracuse before her Ms. America scandal so I’m sure she was probably just a few credits shy of graduation. I have such respect for any Hollywood star who takes the time to attend college. It shows discipline that you can see something that you started to the end. I have two college degrees and I find them to be quite pretentious however for us commoners it’s the only way to succeed if you don’t have connections. Because let’s face it, if you know the right people in any industry you don’t need a college.

I think it's very admirable that Vanessa is so proud of receiving the diploma. It shows a lot of character that she values education after all her entertainment experience. It's fairly common to gift public figures with honorary diplomas from academic institutions, which are different than actually earned degrees. It could just be a word choice, but coming from someone who will remain in academia for the next six years, I don't think she received a *degree.* Either way, brilliant day for her.

Congrats Vanessa! That's awesome. :)

And to Jen, a diploma is more than just a "piece of paper". Of course you don't need it in order to be successful, but it's still *very* important.