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Celebrated media personality Tavis Smiley to speak at 2008 Commencement

Tavis Smiley. Photo courtesy of The Smiley Group, Inc./Kevin Foley

December 03, 2007

Public radio and television host, author, philanthropist and advocate Tavis Smiley has been chosen to give the keynote address at Connecticut College´s 90th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

"Tavis Smiley exemplifies the leadership, service and stewardship Connecticut College seeks to instill in our students," said President Leo I. Higdon Jr. "We are honored he has accepted our invitation to address the Class of 2008."

Smiley was chosen as commencement speaker by a campus committee that included faculty, staff and students. Smiley previously visited Connecticut College in the spring of 2006 for the Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity´s inaugural symposium, which also featured Cornel West.

"I am honored and humbled by this invitation from Connecticut College," Smiley said. "I have visited the campus before and look forward to returning to share my message with the graduating class: justice for all, service to others and a love that liberates."

Smiley hosts the late night television show "Tavis Smiley" on PBS. His radio show, "The Tavis Smiley Show," is distributed through Public Radio International, and his political commentary is featured twice weekly on the "Tom Joyner Morning Show," a nationally syndicated radio program. Smiley is also the author of 11 books, including his most recent, "What I know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America."

At a time when much of television news stands out for its divisiveness and hype, Smiley says he focuses on civility and intelligent conversation. "Newsweek" has called him one of the "20 people changing how Americans get their news."

Through his not-for-profit organization, the Tavis Smiley Foundation, Smiley also works to enlighten, encourage and empower African American youth.

At the Commencement ceremony, Smiley will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the College.

For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu