On November 9th, The University of Akron’s (UA) Student Union ballrooms were filled with stories, smiles, laughter, and a delicious dinner. Every year, UA’s Alumni Association honors some of its standout alumni with the Alumni Day Awards. Often times, those alumni are ones the current students may not know or have even heard of, but this year the students are well-acquainted with this famous recipient!
Among other honorees, Yvette Nicole Brown, an actress and television host, received recognition for her outstanding work since graduating from UA. One of her most notable roles in acting was Helen on Nickelodeon’s Drake and Josh, a show so many of UA’s current students know and love. She has also held major roles in shows such as Community, The Odd Couple, and Mom in addition to other short appearances in various television shows. You may also recognize her voice from the many roles she’s played in animated movies and shows. Something to look forward to is her voice role as Aunt Sarah in the new, live-action Lady and the Tramp movie exclusively on Disney+.
Despite her fame, Brown remains humble and wise beyond her years. During her acceptance speech, Brown talked about her love for UA and for all of its students. She talked about her visit earlier that day with the students of WZIP, UA’s student-run radio station, and some of the inspirational words she had for the students.
“You can do anything you want here,” she expressed to the crowd.
During her time at UA, she was a University Ambassador, a student who often works events like the Alumni Day Awards for different entities on campus, so she even came over to the Ambassador table for a group photo!
It is always very encouraging to see successful alumni come back to visit as they benefit the school and its students, but seeing a beloved alumna who is so kind and genuine to students and staff alike is something very unique. She shows her love for this school, and Yvette, we love you too!