*Vanessa Williams received her bachelor of fine arts degree from Syracuse University Saturday and also delivered the convocation address to graduates of Syracuse's College of Visual and Performing Arts, according to reports.

       The 45-year-old actress-singer, who dropped out of Syracuse nearly 25 years ago to become the first black Miss America, encouraged her fellow graduates to "treasure this moment."       

       "These days are irreplaceable and are the beginning of the rest of your life," she said, according to The Syracuse Post-Standard.

       Upon receiving her diploma, Williams raised it to show her mother and children.      

       She attended Syracuse's drama department as a musical theater major from 1981-1983. She earned the remaining credits for her degree through industry experience and performances on stage and screen.