Jo Koy receives honorary doctorate degree from California State University
Jo Koy. Image: Instagram/@calstatela
California State University conferred an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts on Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy, recognizing him for his success in the international comedy scene.
Jo Koy attended the university’s commencement ceremony and shared a message about hard work and sacrifices, as seen in a clip on the educational institution’s Instagram page on Thursday, May 22.
“It’s not easy getting to where you want to go,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work, it takes a lot of sacrifice. It takes a lot of falling flat on your face, and in those moments, that’s when you find out who you really are… That’s what makes you build the grit, the heart, and the strength for you to keep pushing.”
He further said that he dreamt of being a comedian and had been so “in love” with it that comedy clubs became his school.
As he recalled his struggles when he was just beginning his career, the comedian reflected and reminded the graduates to not give up on their dreams.
“No matter how many times you bomb, it doesn’t matter. Just don’t give up,” he advised. “Keep showing up, keep believing in yourself because you don’t need everyone to believe in you. Just you. Believe in you.”
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Aside from Jo Koy, California State University also bestowed an honorary doctorate degree on his fellow actor-comedian Ken Jeong. /ra
