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Distinguished Journalist To Speak At OU Commencement
By: James Roller
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Former Washington Post Washington Bureau Chief Andy Alexander will serve as the commencement speaker for Ohio University's 2013 undergraduate ceremonies.
"This is a great honor," Alexander said. "I also consider it a great privileged to talk to those graduating from an institution that has played such a pivotal role in my career."
According to a university news release, in addition to serving as bureau chief, Alexander was also ombudsman and editor for The Washington Post, and worked in more than 50 countries.
Alexander is also an advocate for open government.
He helped launch the Sunshine Week Initiative, which focuses on freedom of information and the dangers of government secrecy.
His devotion to open government eventually led to being inducted into the First Amendment Center's National Freedom of Information Act Hall of Fame.
While a student at OU, Alexander served as editor for The Post, and during the summers interned for the Melbourne Herald in Australia.
He would go on to serve as a correspondent covering the Vietnam War and the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia for the Australian paper.
Alexander still holds close ties with Ohio University.
He is currently serving as a visiting professional in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, and has established a scholarship to support minority students in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Alexander will receive an Honorary Doctor of Communication Degree from OU at the graduation ceremony May 4.