CBS anchor encourages hard work, awareness, perseverance

By Althea Peterson

Transcript Staff Writer

When addressing graduates, television anchor Katie Couric chose to compare her situation with theirs Friday night.

Laughter, inspiration and encouragement filled Oklahoma Memorial Stadium as Couric reflected on her career and life, while using it as an example of what the University of Oklahoma 2006 graduates will face in their own lives.

"Right now, we're about in the same boat, about to step out into the next moment of our lives," Couric said, referring to her new position as a CBS news anchor. "I'm getting ready to say good-bye to the world I've known. A ship is always safe in the harbor, but that's not what it's meant to do."

Couric recalled how she first got an internship at ABC, but she said it wasn't easy once she was there. After a poor initial showing, it would have been easy to give up, she said.

"I was told that I would never make it in TV news," Couric said. "Just where I got the confidence to stay on track, I don't know."

However, she said those who put "hurdles" in her way just made her stronger and work harder, which she encouraged graduates to do as they look to advance their careers.

"If you skip that keg party to go the extra mile at work, you'll probably feel better in the morning," Couric said, drawing laughter.

OU President David Boren said one of the most distinguishing parts of Couric's career was putting herself through colonoscopy on camera. This segment, "Confronting Colon Cancer," won a Peabody Award and led to a 20 percent increase in colon cancer screenings across the country.

Couric said she was inspired to do this after her husband died of colon cancer. She said she was more proud of the effect of the segment than any of her other journalism awards.

"If that is my legacy, I have in fact left a small impact on the world," Couric said. "All my professional accomplishments pale in comparison."

Boren said this act, along with more than 30 years of journalistic integrity, made her a worthy recipient of an honorary doctorate.

"We appreciate your use of your position to bring a positive effect to society," Boren said.

Couric also joked with graduates about her newfound knowledge of an Oklahoma "Sooner."

"But who am I to question your mascot? My university's mascot is the Wahoo, a fish capable of drinking twice its weight. In retrospect, it's quite appropriate," Couric said, drawing gradual laughter once again.

She also mentioned that when her co-host of NBC's Today show, Matt Lauer, learned she would be speaking at OU, he thought it was his alma mater, Ohio University.

"I assured his this was the OU, and this 'O' stood for Oklahoma," Couric said, drawing applause.

Finally, Couric emphasized the importance of acceptance and awareness of others and the world, despite difficult moments such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 attacks.

"The world is a scary place, but it is filled with peace loving, law abiding people. We are so much more alike than different. Celebrate our differences, but celebrate what unites us as well."

With a backdrop reminiscent of the arches around the North and South Ovals, Boren gave honorary doctorates to Couric, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. W.J. Crowe and philanthropist Cy Wagner. Boren said that while Horace Calvert and Marilyn Horne could not attend the commencement, Horne would receive her honorary degree next year, while Calvert's two daughters accepted the honorary degree on his behalf.

According to a release, the spring 2006 ceremony included 4,158 bachelor's graduates, 1,672 master's graduates, 188 doctoral graduates and 626 professional graduates, for a total of 6,644 graduates. Fifty-nine of these graduates achieved perfect 4.0 grade point averages, 42 or whom are from Oklahoma.

The ceremony included a prelude by the University Chamber Ensemble and a processional by The Pipes and Drums of the Highlanders, ending with "Boomer Sooner" on the bagpipes. The Kiowa Black Leggings Society presented the colors during the national anthem.

Althea Peterson 366-3539 apeterson@normantranscript.com