Former U.S. press secretary Marlin Fitzwater returned to his alma mater of Kansas State University Friday afternoon. As he took the stage of Bramlage Coliseum, he was given an honorary doctorate degree and congratulated graduate students for earning their own doctorates.
Named the Outstanding Male Journalism Graduate in 1965, Fitzwater moved on to work in Washington, D.C. for several federal agencies before becoming the U.S. press secretary for President Ronald Reagan, and then again for President George Bush. Fitzwater orchestrated press operations with the world as the U.S. and Russia put an end to the Cold War, and later as the U.S. began Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait in 1991.
Fitzwater told graduates and attending families he was honored to receive an honorary doctorate degree from Kansas State, just as Ronald Reagan had done decades ago at his alma mater. He then went into detail about his optimism for the newest generation of educated Americans moving into the workforce.
“The future is brighter in America than it may seem,” Fitzwater said, “We still have the heart and soul for great adventures, we still have the freedom to pursue every dream… So let the journey begin, and be kind.”
Fitzwater wrapped up his speech with these words, and was received with a thunder of applause from the audience before the graduation commencement ceremony continued.
More on this weekend’s graduation ceremonies can be found on www.k-state.edu. To hear excerpts from Fitzwater’s speech, listen to KMAN 1350 AM, 93.3 and 93.7 FM Saturday morning.
