Published: Feb. 19, 2019
CU Boulder alumna Savannah Sellers

CU Boulder alumna Savannah Sellers—correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC and co-host ofĚýStay Tuned, NBC’s Generation Z news brand—will deliver the university’s May 9 commencement address at Folsom Field.Ěý

Sellers, who alsoĚýhosts NBC News for Universal Kids, the only daily TV news program created specifically for kids, was invited by CU Boulder’s Senior Class Council. At age 27, she is among the university’s youngest commencement speakers - if not the youngest.

“She was No. 1 on our list,” said Senior Class Council President Chad Brokaw. “How young she is and how quickly she rose in such a large organization like NBC is inspiring to all of us.”

Sellers has covered an array of politics and pop culture topics, ranging from the issue of gun violence in America—with exclusive interviews with several of the students from Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School—to focusing on the trends and social issues most vital to the millennial and Gen Z generations.Ěý

She has interviewed many notable public figures, from politicians like former Vice President Joe Biden to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and global artists like Shawn Mendes and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“Savannah embodies what it means when we talk about shaping tomorrow’s leaders,” said Chancellor Philip. P. DiStefano. “She is informing young people about issues that are crucial to our shared future. We are thrilled to have her return to campus to give the 2019 commencement address.”

If you go

ĚýThursday, May 9,Ěý8 a.m.
ĚýFolsom Field

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Sellers is the recipient of a News & Documentary Emmy Award for her work as a producer on theĚýNBC Nightly News series “Hooked: America’s Heroin Epidemic.”ĚýShe began her career in New York with the NBCUniversal Page Program before working atĚýNBC Nightly News and as the executive assistant to the president of MSNBC.

She also co-hosts theĚýGlobal Citizen FestivalĚýand works closely withĚýRed Nose Day as part of NBCUniversal’s partnerships with the charity organizations. Sellers is also a co-host of the Gates Foundation’sĚýGoalkeepers conference.

Sellers is originally from San Diego and holds a degree in broadcast news and international media from the College of Media, Communication and Information. Commencement speakers at CU Boulder do not receive compensation. They are selected by student leaders.

“I’m extremely honored and completely thrilled to be speaking to the 2019 graduating class of CU Boulder this May," Sellers said. "In many ways, it feels like my own commencement ceremony just happened. In the six years since my graduation, I have leaned into new opportunities and charted an unconventional path. I hope my approach can bring a relatable but inspirational message to my fellow Buffs.”

Further, Sellers said it has never been more important “to be aware and knowledgeable about the world around you.”

I’m honored to play a small role in readying these students toĚýleave CU BoulderĚýas educated, self-aware young professionals, shining their light for the rest of the world to see. As a news anchor for the younger generation, I feel a sense of obligation to give back to this specific generation of students. To be able to do that at my own alma mater is especially meaningful. This school has done so much for me and I am so excited to do something in return. I can’t wait to meet the class of 2019!”

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