Riley Burruss first met the public in 2009 when her mother, singer-songwriter Kandi Burruss, joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in Season 2. Over a decade later, the little girl fans met is now an NYU graduate.
On May 13, the 21 year-old shared a post to her Instagram thanking her mother for being an inspiration and expressed her pride in being the first college graduate in her family.
“Officially graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree from NYU! (major: music business),” the music business major wrote.
“I have been surrounded by music my entire life, which I’d like to thank my mom for @kandi 🤎. Always being around my mom and her music is what inspired me to pursue a degree in music.”
“As a first generation college student, I am so proud of myself for reaching the finish line and staying on track to receive this degree. I cannot believe that I am the first person in my family to graduate college, and I am so grateful for everyone that came to celebrate me and those that have supported me. 🥹💜,” she concluded.
“You started college and you finished… You did it.”
To celebrate the milestone, Kandi threw an NYU themed graduation party for her first born. The event was held at the Self Made Studio venue in Atlanta, just days before Riley hit the New York University commencement stage.
The space was filled with purple and white decor and featured custom drinks, live music, and cupcakes decorated with Riley’s photos.
Several of Riley’s graduation pictures were blown up around the room, and the new grad was also on the theme, rocking a strapless purple maxi dress. She paired the dress with purple sneakers, purple and white nails, and her natural curls.
Attendees included Kandi’s husband and Riley’s stepdad, Todd Tucker; Riley’s stepsister, Kaela Tucker; and family matriarch Mama Joyce Jones. A few RHOA cast members were in the mix, including Porsha Williams, Eva Marcille, Shamea Morton, and Monyetta Shaw-Carter.
“We are so appreciative of our village and for those who supported Riley,” Kandi said during a speech before turning her direction to Riley. “You finished what you started, you know what I mean? A lot of people don’t do that. You started college and you finished… You did it. And [Riley’s] not one of those people that I had to call, checking on her all the time, being like, ‘Did you do your homework?’ She did it on her own… I am proud of you.”
Todd, who married Kandi in 2014, echoed his wife.
“Riley, I am so, so proud of you. Always been a brilliant kid, always been smart,” he said. “You were born to do this, so congratulations. [You] graduated college and I’m excited to see your next chapter.”