HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 17, 2014 – High Point University’s 2015 commencement speaker has been named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Tom Brokaw, one of the world’s most trusted and respected journalists, is one of only 18 influential figures in the nation to receive the honor this year. It is the highest civilian award of the United States and is bestowed by President Barack Obama to recognize individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Brokaw will be awarded the Medal of Freedom at a ceremony at the White House on Nov. 24.
Brokaw was announced as HPU’s commencement speaker in August. He will address the Class of 2015 on May 9.
“This award reflects that Tom Brokaw has throughout his career honored and upheld the values upon which America was founded,” says Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU president. “We are committed to bringing individuals like him to our campus to share their passion for our country and its freedoms.”
The distinguished journalist is best known as the anchor and managing editor for NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. He has won every major award in his craft, including Peabody, Duponts, Emmys and lifetime achievement recognition.
He has spent his entire journalism career with NBC News beginning in 1966 in the Los Angeles bureau, where he covered Ronald Reagan’s first run for public office, the rise of the Sixties counter culture, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy and the 1968 presidential campaign.
From Los Angeles, Brokaw went to Washington as the White House correspondent during Watergate and as the principal back up for John Chancellor as anchor of NBC Nightly News. His next stop was TODAY in New York, followed by his appointment as anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.
He took over Meet the Press for the 2008 campaign when his close friend and colleague Tim Russert died.
Brokaw will become part of an extraordinary lineup of HPU Commencement Speakers, including Gen. Colin Powell, former secretary of state, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and national security advisor; former First Lady Laura Bush; Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-Founder; Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor; Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan; and NASA Astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin.