Acclaimed broadcast journalist Jim Lehrer will deliver the keynote commencement speech and receive an honorary degree from Tufts this May, in a rare appearance for the renowned personality, who has delivered only one other graduation speech in his many decades in public life.
Lehrer's visit was made possible through the efforts of Brown University History Professor Gordon Wood, a Tufts trustee and a member of the Honorary Degree committee. Wood said that he and Lehrer have a personal relationship, and was pleased when the journalist accepted Tufts' invitation.
"I think it's terrific," he said. "He has a lot of invitations to receive honorary degrees. I certainly did call him, and he told me that he normally doesn't accept [speech offers]. With his kind of visibly, he gets many requests."
Wood became acquainted with Lehrer through his work with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, of which the two are members. Lehrer supports various historical organizations, and Colonial Williamsburg, located just outside of Williamsburg, VA, is the world's largest outdoor living history museum.
While Lehrer has never visited the Tufts campus, Wood said he has wanted to see it for a long time and is looking forward to his visit in May.
Lehrer's demeanor and field of expertise differ greatly from last year's commencement speaker, comedian Bill Cosby. But Wood said the PBS personality has a marvelous sense of humor and, as a model journalist, was an excellent choice.
"I think [he is] the leading newscaster in the country and one that has no obvious bias," Wood said. "Lehrer is one that does seem to stand apart from the parties and be independent. In addition, he's just a warm and wonderful man."
Lehrer is the executive editor and anchor of PBS's NewsHour. He has won numerous awards in journalism and is the author of 12 books and several plays. Many students say they are excited for the ceremony and hope his speech will reflect his unique background.
"I am particularly happy to see that Lehrer will be speaking at our graduation because he's a perfect example of someone with incredible dedication to what he does - television broadcasting - but who at the same time has never forgone his passion of writing novels," senior Michael Leung said. "It shows young people like us that just because we embark on a career path, we don't have to give up what really makes us individuals and what makes us happy."
According to Secretary to the Trustees Linda Dixon, the Board of Trustees solicit nominations for commencement speakers throughout the year, with most of the submissions coming during the spring and summer. The Honorary Degree Committee meets several times during the year to consider the nominations and develops a list of acceptable candidates. The committee then presents its list to the Board of Trustees, which approves some or all of the options.
Approved nominees are placed in the eligible pool that is maintained by the University president, who may invite anyone from that list. The process is the same for choosing honorary degree recipients.
No information is yet available regarding the subject of Lehrer's speech. His last and only graduation speech was delivered at the University of Washington in June of 1998.
