Fisk books TV news VIPs Al Roker and Deborah Roberts for the start

Fisk University has booked two of the biggest names in television news to deliver this year’s commencement address: Al Roker, longtime co-host and weather presenter of NBC’s “Today Show,” and Deborah Roberts, the Emmy-winning co-host of ABC’s ’20 /20.”

The two veteran journalists have been married since 1995. Together they wrote “Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom for Modern Times.”

Fisk University President Agenia Clark said Roker and Roberts are excellent role models for graduates.

“Deborah and Al are more than just media icons. They are now beloved friends of Fisk University, and their commitment to excellence and social responsibility reflects our core values,” said Clark, who was named president of the 158-year-old historically black university. university this fall.

This year Fisk celebrates its 150th start.

Roker has been a fixture in television news for decades since becoming a regular guest on NBC’s popular morning show in 1996. The always jovial Roker also hosts NBC’s coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, missing just one year since taking on that role took over in 1995. .

Roberts has won numerous Emmy Awards. She also received the prestigious Peabody Award for her “20/20” special: “Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor.”

Annual commencement speeches honoring the graduates of Nashville’s numerous universities often attract big names and major celebrities. Previous speakers at Fisk have included basketball legend Grant Hill, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi. At Tennessee State University, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the commencement address in 2022, followed in 2023 by Oprah Winfrey, a 1986 graduate of the historically black public university.

This year’s TSU address will be delivered by its president, Glenda Glover, who is retiring after 10 years leading the school. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia will address the school’s graduating students.

There will be no guest speaker at Vanderbilt University’s commencement, but the day before, New York Times columnist and bestselling author David Brooks will speak at the school’s Graduates Day ceremony.

Fisk University commencement will take place on May 6. For more information, visit www.Fisk.edu.

Todd A. Price is a Southern regional reporter for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at [email protected].

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