Al Roker and Deborah Roberts are set to speak at Fisk University commencement, per a release by the institution in April. Roker and Roberts are a media power couple and will serve as co-speakers for the commencement ceremony, addressing the Spring 2024 graduates.

Fisk University president Dr. Agenia Clark spoke fondly of both Roker and Roberts, saying, “Deborah and Al are much more than just media icons. They are now cherished friends of Fisk University, and their dedication to excellence and social responsibility mirrors our core values. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to inspire our graduating class of future leaders as they embark on their journeys.”

Al Roker, the beloved co-host of The Third Hour of TODAY, is a highly esteemed figure in the realm of journalism and meteorology. Apart from his roles as a respected journalist, author, and TV personality, he is renowned for revolutionizing weathercasting by skillfully integrating computer graphics. This meteorological maestro proudly holds the prestigious AMS Seal of Approval, a testament to his expertise and dedication to the field. Al Roker kickstarted his academic journey at the esteemed State University of New York at Oswego, where he diligently pursued a Bachelor of Arts in communications and successfully graduated in 1976.

Deborah Roberts, a highly esteemed journalist, has garnered prestigious accolades throughout her illustrious career. Notably, she clinched a distinguished Peabody Award for her exceptional work on “20/20” and has been honored with multiple Emmy® Awards for her outstanding journalism. Beyond her contributions to the field, Roberts is also an accomplished author, with bestsellers such as “Lessons Learned and Cherished” captivating readers worldwide.  Her personal life is equally as inspiring, as she and her husband, Roker, have enjoyed a loving marriage for 29 years, having officially tied the knot in 1995.

Roberts and Roker are part of the esteemed lineup of commencement speakers scheduled to inspire graduates this Spring. The distinguished speakers include President Joe Biden at Morehouse College, the talented Angela Bassett at Spelman College, the renowned Kirk Franklin at Morris Brown College, the honorable Raphael Warnock at Tennessee State University and Johnson C. Smith University, along with the accomplished Robin Givens at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.