Paula Gentius Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Director of the Board Office | Wake Forest University
Paula Gentius Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Director of the Board Office | Wake Forest University
Award-winning CBS journalist Scott Pelley is set to deliver the commencement address at Wake Forest University on May 19. The ceremony will occur at Hearn Plaza, beginning at 9 a.m.
Pelley, known for his long-standing career with CBS News' "60 Minutes," has been with the program for over two decades. During this period, he contributed to half of the major awards won by the show. His previous roles include anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2017 and chief White House correspondent from 1997 to 1999. He began his journey with CBS News as a reporter in New York in 1989.
Throughout his career, Pelley has interviewed five U.S. presidents—from George H.W. Bush to Joe Biden—and numerous high-ranking officials such as Secretaries of State and Defense and Federal Reserve Chairs. His interviews have also included prominent figures like Pope Francis, conservationist Jane Goodall, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Pelley's reporting includes coverage of significant events like the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina's devastation.
Pelley's accolades include over 50 Emmy Awards, four Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Silver Batons, three George Foster Peabody Awards, and the Walter Cronkite Award.
“Whether interviewing political figures, economists, activists or international leaders, Scott Pelley has a unique ability to find the human story within major events,” reads one statement about him.
“His ability to turn complex issues into compelling narratives will inspire our graduates as they prepare to engage with the world. We look forward to welcoming Scott to Wake Forest.”
Pelley authored “Truth Worth Telling: A Reporter’s Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times” (Hanover Square Press, 2019), where he profiles individuals who found meaning during historic events.
Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson will join Wake Forest for commencement weekend as the baccalaureate speaker. As president of Auburn Theological Seminary since 2021, she became its first Black woman and non-Presbyterian leader. Her leadership focuses on cultivating a multiracial, multifaith democracy.
The baccalaureate service is scheduled for May 18 at Wait Chapel at 11 a.m.
Further details on Wake Forest’s commencement weekend can be found at commencement.wfu.edu.
Alerts Sign-up