Charlie Rose, the award winning interviewer, will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary degree at Fordham University’s 163rd Commencement on Saturday, May 17, on the Rose Hill campus. The ceremony will be broadcast live onFordham’s Media Page.

Charlie Rose Photo by Harry Benson

Rose, who features the world’s best thinkers and newsmakers each night on his eponymous television program, is one of America’s premier broadcast journalists. He has achieved his reputation as a first-rate interviewer and commentator by fostering smart conversation and presenting it on the most minimal set in television history, consisting of a round oak table and black backdrop. Even the cameras are operated remotely to create an intimate atmosphere.

Guests on the program include key international political figures and a mixture of Nobel laureates in the fields of literature, science, medicine and leading voices from theatre, film, dance, fashion, sports and business. They have ranged from international statesman Mikhail Gorbachev to author Toni Morrison to Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

DATE:      SATURDAY, MAY 17
TIME:       10 A.M. (PROCESSION BEGINS)
PLACE:   EDWARDS PARADE
ROSE HILL CAMPUS
441 E. FORDHAM ROAD, BRONX, N.Y.

Rose was born in Henderson, N.C., and graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in history and a law degree. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has received the George Peabody Broadcasting Award, the Emmy Award and the CableACE Award.

In addition to Charlie Rose, his other television programs include an extended version called Charlie Rose Special Edition, one drawn from major exhibits at distinguished museums called Great Masters and an exploration of scientific advances called the Charlie Rose Science Series.

He has also recently agreed to be a contributor to CBS News’ 60 Minutes.