Washington University to award four honorary degrees at 148th Commencement

Washington University in St. Louis will bestow honorary degrees on four pioneers and leaders in their respective fields during its 148th Commencement May 15. During the ceremony, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Brookings Quadrangle, the university also will bestow more than 2,700 academic degrees on more than 2,600 students. Wendy Kopp, chief executive officer and founder of Teach For America, will deliver the Commencement address and receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree.

Transcript of Tim Russert’s speech to the WUSTL class of 2007

Tim Russert, managing editor and moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press” and political analyst for “NBC Nightly News” and the “Today” show, delivered Washington University’s 2007 Commencement address May 18 in Brookings Quadrangle. More than 14,000 people, including some 2,600 graduates, were on hand to hear Russert’s speech, titled “A View From Washington.”

Tim Russert to WUSTL Class of 2007: ‘The children are our future’

The children are our future, said Tim Russert to the Class of 2007 during the 146th Commencement ceremony at Washington University in St. Louis. The host of NBC’s “Meet the Press” clarified, telling the audience of more than 14,000 that while this year’s some 2,600 graduates have done well and have the world at their feet, one of their real responsibilities is to take care of the world’s children and give them every opportunity to succeed. “If we are serious about remaining the world’s premier economic, military and moral force in the world, we have no choice. We need all of our children contributing, and prospering and competing,” Russert told the assembled crowd in Brookings Quadrangle during the May 18 ceremony.

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Washington University’s 146th Commencement will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 18. The university will bestow degrees on more than 2,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The university also will bestow honorary degrees on six individuals, including Tim Russert. Russert, managing editor and moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press” and political analyst for “NBC Nightly News” and the “Today” show, will deliver the 2007 Commencement address. His talk is titled “A View From Washington.”