Union County Review

Acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and CNN news anchor Abby Phillip have been announced as the featured speakers for Kean University's 2024 undergraduate and graduate commencements. The university aims to inspire its graduates by presenting successful individuals as role models, according to Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

"We are extremely proud to welcome these two stellar individuals to speak to our 2024 Kean graduating classes," said Repollet.

Tyson, director of New York’s Hayden Planetarium and a respected scientist known for his work on PBS Nova, Discovery, and numerous documentary and news appearances, will address undergraduates on Thursday, May 16 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Tyson will also be presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his contributions as an astrophysicist.

Phillip, anchor of NewsNight with Abby Phillip and former senior political correspondent and anchor of Inside Politics Sunday, will deliver her address to post-baccalaureate students at Graduate Commencement on Tuesday, May 14 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. This marks Phillip's second appearance before a Kean audience after serving as a President’s Distinguished Lecturer in 2022.

Steve Fastook ’H06, president of the Kean University Board of Trustees, expressed anticipation for the upcoming commencement addresses by Tyson and Phillip. "Our Undergraduate and Graduate commencements are the pinnacle of our academic year at Kean and a time that we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates," Fastook said.

Tyson is renowned for sharing his knowledge through various media outlets including PBS, NatGeo, documentaries, films, podcasts; he has even made appearances in television comedies such as The Big Bang Theory and The Simpsons.

Phillip anchors NewsNight with Abby Phillip on weeknights at 10 p.m., covering the day’s biggest stories. She has had a notable career at CNN, moderating presidential debates, covering the White House during the Trump administration, and anchoring special coverage of Election Night in America surrounding the 2020 election.