Award-Winning Journalist Soledad O'Brien To Deliver Endicott College Commencement

BEVERLY, MA — Longtime network anchor and award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien will be in Beverly to deliver the commencement address at Endicott College this spring.

The school said the documentarian, media entrepreneur and education access advocate will deliver the address at the school's 86th commencement on May 16 at Hempstead Stadium.

O'Brien will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to journalism, media, and public service.

"Ethical journalism and courageous leadership have always mattered, but they are especially vital right now," said Endicott College President Bryan Cain. "Soledad O'Brien's career reflects what it means to lead with curiosity and purpose, and we are proud to honor a strong female voice that has consistently broadened who is seen, heard, and valued in public life."

O'Brien began her career in Boston as an associate producer and news writer for WBZ-TV before rising to prominence at CNN, where she hosted "American Morning and Starting Point."

In 2013, joined "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" on HBO as a correspondent.

Her recent work includes executive producing the Peabody Award-winning documentary "The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks" and "Black and Missing," which received Independent Spirit and NAACP awards.

Her documentaries, "The Devil Is Busy" and "The Perfect Neighbor," earned Best Director honors at the Sundance Film Festival, and in 2025, the films were nominated for two Academy Awards.

Along with the late director Rob Reiner, she co-hosted the iHeart podcast "Who Killed JFK" and is the author of the memoir "The Next Big Story."

O'Brien is also a committed advocate for educational access.

Her PowHERful Foundation has helped dozens of young women get to and through college and connected thousands more with mentorship and resources nationwide.

O'Brien has earned many honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, Gracie Awards, Cine Awards, Telly Awards, and an Alfred I. duPont Award.

In 2023, she was inducted into the Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame. She has also testified before Congress on media disinformation and remains an influential public voice through her writing, speaking, podcasts, and social media platforms.