In November, 1867 Swayne School was opened with 140 pupils. Two years later in 1869, the Talladega County Probate Judge lawfully issued a charter for Swayne School to exist as Talladega College. Still, 145 years later, the commitment to education and academic excellence continues.

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Talladega College will confer bachelor’s degrees upon its 138th graduating class. The speaker set for that event is television star, actor, comedian and writer, Anthony Anderson. Anderson plays as Detective Kevin Bernard on NBC’s hit series, “Law & Order.” Anderson has appeared in over 20 films. He has had roles alongside actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey, Jack Black, Steve Martin and many more.

Anderson has also starred in his own WB sitcom, “All About the Andersons.” Prior to his NBC appointment, he played a lead character in Fox’s “K-Ville.” He has appeared in many TV and movie hits: “Me, Myself and Irene,” Barbershop,” “Kangaroo Jack,” “Cradle 2 the Grave,” “Scary Movie 3,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” and “Transformers” just to name a few. Anderson also garnered another stint revealing again his comedic side on NBC’s sitcom “Guys with Kids” that debuted last fall. He is an alumnus of Howard University and Hollywood’s High School Performing Arts Magnet program.

The Mother’s Day weekend is full of headline names for graduates, mothers, alumni and guests of Talladega College. Graduates and their families will get to see and hear Anderson in person on Sunday morning at the graduation; but prior to that, celebrations begin Friday night, May 10 with the 6th Annual President’s Scholarship Concert. Courtesy of Talladega College, Frankie Beverly & Maze will come to the Talladega region and entertain an audience at the Talladega Superspeedway Dome. The Friday night concert will also feature a surprise musical guest.