NBC News anchor Lester Holt will deliver the keynote address at Howard University's opening convocation this week, marking the beginning of the academic year.
Holt, of "NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt" and "Dateline," is set to speak Friday at the 151st annual event.
"We are delighted to have Mr. Lester Holt serve as the Opening Convocation speaker, particularly during this season when the need for journalism is so important in our society," university President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a statement. "Mr. Holt’s vast experience reporting the news in a fair and balanced manner has set him as an example for times like these."
Photos: Famous Howard University Alumni and Former Students
"Black Panther" actor Chadwick Boseman delivered the keynote speech at Howard's 2018 graduation ceremony. Former FBI director James Comey and former president Barack Obama made the speech in previous years.
Howard recently jumped up 21 spots in the U.S. News and World Report college rankings, making it into the top 100.
