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.