May commencement circuit begins at IU on Bloomington campus
Published April 20, 2007
 Photo by Chris Meyer
Smiley
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IU alumnus Tavis Smiley, a popular radio personality, political commentator, motivational speaker and author is scheduled to give the commencement address at IU Bloomington Saturday, May 5, at Assembly Hall.
With his late night television talk show, “Tavis Smiley,” and his radio show “The Tavis Smiley Show,” Smiley was the first American ever to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both PBS and National Public Radio. His television show continues now in its fourth season, and “The Tavis Smiley Show” on public radio is now distributed by Public Radio International. He also offers political commentary twice weekly on the nationally-syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show.”
Smiley was recommended by the IU Bloomington Commencement Speaker Committee which includes students, faculty and staff. IU President Adam Herbert said he concurred with the committee recommendation because he believes Smiley’s presence will make the commencement ceremonies an inspirational experience for IU graduates and their families.
“Tavis Smiley is one of our own,” said Herbert. “He grew up in Kokomo and came to IU with limited resources but a strong passion for learning. He has subsequently become an internationally renowned talk show host and political commentator. Yet he has never forsaken his Hoosier values.
“In a society with a significant need for strong role models, Tavis has sought out opportunities to be a mentor, to lift up those who need a helping hand and to share his life experiences through extensive publications and public appearances,” Herbert added. “IU is very proud of his many impressive accomplishments. Tavis Smiley’s life story is a testament to the power of education, determination and talent. I am very confident that he will inspire our graduates on this special day.”
He is the author of “What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America “(Doubleday, 2006) and “Keeping the Faith: Stories of Love, Courage, Healing and Hope from Black America” (Doubleday, 2002), a collection of narratives about love, loss and faith by African Americans from all walks of life.
He earned a degree from IUB in public and environmental affairs and has been presented with a doctor of humane letters degree by IU Kokomo. He has regularly returned to IU Bloomington. In 1998 he returned to be grand marshal of the homecoming parade, spoke at a diversity conference in 2002 and in 2003 presented the Neal-Marshall SPEA Public Policy Lecture. He also has given presentations at other IU campuses, including IUPUI and IPFW.
Smiley will address both of the commencement sessions at Assembly Hall. The morning session will begin at 10 a.m. and will include graduates from the Kelley School of Business; the School of Education; the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; the School of Law; the Jacobs School of Music; the School of Nursing; the School of Public and Environmental Affairs; and the School of Social Work. The Ph.D. candidates in the same fields who are receiving degrees from the University Graduate School also will participate in the morning session.
The afternoon session will begin at 3 p.m. It will include graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Continuing Studies; the School of Informatics; the School of Journalism; the Division of Labor Studies; the School of Library and Information Science; and the School of Optometry. Ph.D. degree candidates in those fields who are receiving degrees from the University Graduate School and all master’s degree candidates receiving degrees through the University Graduate School will participate in the afternoon session.
For more information on commencements around the state, see page 8.
