NPR host Scott Simon to speak at graduation
By: Laurel Eatherly, News Staff
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News
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"We are really pleased to bring Scott Simon to campus to be this year's commencement speaker," said Director of Communications and Marketing Liz Libby.
"He's a very well-known journalist and radio personality and also a celebrated author of both non-fiction and fiction works."
Since first joining National Public Radio in 1977 as chief of the Chicago bureau, Simon has covered the events of eight wars and reported from all 50 states and every continent. According to the station's website, he has won numerous honors including the Peabody Award for his weekly radio essays and an Emmy for his documentary The Patterson Project. He also has a number of honorary degrees, in addition to the degrees he earned at the University of Chicago and McGill University in Canada.
Over the years, Simon has developed a reputation as a "whimsical" interviewer, according to the New York Times, often approaching serious issues from unusual angles.
He married filmmaker Caroline Richard in 2000 after years as a content bachelor. They met when she appeared on his show to promote a film.
Simon has also found success as the author of four books. His most recent novel, Windy City, is a political comedy set in Chicago. His connection to Chicago, as well as his reputation as a dynamic speaker, made him an attractive candidate to deliver the commencement address.
"Simon was chosen based on a confluence of factors, namely: the relevance of his contributions to liberal learning, general name recognition and prominence, and connection to the city of Chicago," Libby explained.
Simon grew up in Chicago, among other places, and is a diehard Cubs fan.
"It helped too that he has a reputation as a memorable and lively speaker. I've heard from several faculty, staff, and students who are pleased with this year's choice of commencement speaker."
In addition to Simon, honorands at the commencement ceremony will include Danielle Allen, Janet Rowley, and Maria Velez de Berliner.
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