Dr. Maya Angelou Brings a Rainbow to Bergen

Dr. Maya Angelou returned to Bergen on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, after an appearance on campus four years ago. With her wisdom and inspiring words, she invigorated an audience comprised of 1,600 Bergen students, faculty and staff members, as well as students from Paramus High School, Teaneck High School, Dwight Morrow High School, in Englewood, Bergen County Technical Schools, Mahwah High School and Hudson County Community College.

Dr. Angelou discussed her life's journey and all the "rainbows" that have helped her along the way.

Upon being introduced to the audience, Dr. Angelou said: "I think of this institution as a rainbow."

Dr. Angelou's message to students: "Prepare yourself to be a rainbow in somebody's life."

At the end of her appearance, Dr. Angelou presented the College with a gift. She invited students to download the poem, "On the Pulse of the Morning," written for and presented at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993, at his request. Dr. Angelou called this the proudest moment of her life.

Click here for a copy of the poem.

Link to the 1993 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDtw62Ah2zY