NBC news coverage of Warner Saunders speaking at SXU's graduation

Chicago (Jan. 9, 2007) - Longtime NBC5 news anchor Warner Saunders was the featured speaker at Saint Xavier Universitys Winter Commencement ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 7.

A native Chicagoan, Saunders has won 20 Emmys for news, sports and programming. Saunders is a member of the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame and the Chicago Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle. This June will mark his 37th year in Chicago television.




In addition to being this years Winter Commencement speaker, Saunders received a Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa, in recognition of his long and distinguished career as a journalist, teacher and social worker.

Mr. Saunders has been an example of integrity and service to the city of Chicago, said Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to recognize him with this honorary doctorate.

Saunders cited the Catholic nuns and priests who guided his own education, beginning in the first grade, as major influences on his success. Although the larger society in those days assigned me and my race to an inferior status, my teachers never allowed me or my classmates to accept color or class position as a reason or excuse for failure, Saunders said.

So much of the good fortune I am enjoying in this life must be attributed to their amazing ability to transfer their vision of success and their value system to me and to so many of my peers. This honor that Saint Xavier University bestows on me really belongs to them.

Saunders other awards include the Illinois Broadcasters Association Public Service Award, the prestigious Gabriel Award, the Ohio State Award, and the 1999 Hull House Jane Addams Award for his commitment and service to the Chicago community.


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Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, Saint Xavier University was the first Mercy college in the United States and is Chicagos oldest Catholic university. Serving approximately 5,700 students at its campuses in Chicago and Orland Park, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors; more than 40 graduate program options in arts and sciences, business, education and nursing; and a variety of program options in continuing and professional studies. Recognizing Saint Xaviers excellence in education, U.S. News and World Report has ranked SXU consistently among the Best Colleges in the Midwest.

Saint Xavier University Media Relations: 773-298-3937
3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago Ill. 60655 * 18230 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, Ill. 60467
online faculty expert guide: www.sxu.edu/relations/faculty_experts.asp
www.sxu.edu

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