ATHENS, Ohio -- CNN news anchor and national correspondent Martin Savidge encouraged more than 3,000 graduates to succeed in their profession as human beings in addressing Ohio University's undergraduate commencement ceremonies today.
Savidge, who received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1981, said when asked what he does for a living, he answers, "I am a journalist by trade and a human being by profession."
Savidge reports from the field on major breaking news stories including the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and at the Pentagon; school shootings in Arkansas and Oregon; and wildfires in Florida. During this year's war in Iraq, he was one of CNN's embedded journalists and was among the first members of the media to accompany troops into Baghdad.
He gave graduates the same advice he gave to Marines in Iraq who were going into combat for their first time: "Rely on your training. Trust in those that have experience. Never forget that above all you are a human being."
Noting that the world needs to be more human, he said, "Don't be afraid to occasionally fail in your job, because you may find that you succeed in your profession."
A native of Canada, Savidge grew up in the Cleveland suburb of Rocky River. During his tenure at CNN, Martin has anchored "The World Today," "Early Edition" and the weekend editions of "Early Prime" and "CNN Worldview" to name a few. Prior to joining CNN, he worked for WJW-TV in Cleveland as a special projects reporter and anchor and also worked for television stations in Illinois and for the Associated Press.
Also at today's ceremonies, honorary degrees were conferred on Savidge, Martin Hecht Jr. and Beth Stocker. Savidge received an honorary doctorate of mass communications.
Hecht was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree for his significant contributions to Ohio University and to the city of Athens. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Hecht is a 1946 graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor's degree in commerce.
For 28 years, he served Ohio University in a variety of key capacities. Upon his retirement from the University in 1976, Hecht was serving as vice president for development. Prior to that, he had held numerous other positions, which included personnel director, director of alumni relations and assistant to the president.
As the university's governmental relations specialist, he spearheaded efforts with the Ohio Legislature that resulted in the creation of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also coordinated, from concept to completion, the re-routing of the Hocking River, thus putting an end to what previously had been the annual spring flooding of the campus.
Stocker received the honorary degree doctor of humane letters for exemplary devotion to Ohio University and compassionate commitment to education and philanthropy.
A 1928 graduate of Ohio University, Stocker began her career as a bacteriologist with the New York City Health Department and held that position until 1935. She then assisted her late husband, Paul, as he tinkered in the basement of their rooming house with inventions, ultimately developing the Sub-Cycle telephone ringer that would be the foundation of his successful Lorain Products company in Lorain, Ohio.
Over the decades, Stocker has been a social activist and humanitarian. She has been involved with Lorain County Community College, the Erie Shores Girl Scout Council and the YWCA, and has long been a strong proponent of education.
In the 1970s, Paul and Beth Stocker provided the largest gift in Ohio University's history to that date, funded the Russ College of Engineering and Technology's first visiting chair and professorships and provided support that resulted in the renovation of the former Crook Hall to become the C. Paul and Beth K. Stocker Engineering Center.
Stocker has continued the tradition of generosity to Ohio University, providing funds for the Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE), the Cutler Scholars Program, Kids on Campus and the Ohio University Libraries.
