The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award to world-renowned Good Morning America anchor and Southeastern alumnae Robin Roberts.
Roberts received the award on the evening of Oct. 25 at the AASCU’s 50th Anniversary Gala in Boston, Massachusetts. President John L. Crain was in attendance and presented the award to Roberts.
“We are extremely proud that Robin Roberts was selected by the AASCU for the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award,” said Crain after returning to the university. “Robin serves as a tremendous role model and inspiration for students at Southeastern and AASCU institutions everywhere. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Robin remains a very gracious and humble individual. We are fortunate to have her as a member of the Southeastern family.”
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is granted to graduates of AASCU institutions that have achieved acclaim within their field and who has made a contribution to the public, intellectual or cultural life of the nation.
“I am here for Southeastern Louisiana University,” Roberts said after receiving the award. “When Dr. Crain told me about this honor, I didn’t think of it as an honor for me, I thought of it as an honor for my alma mater. I’m here to say thank you on behalf of everyone that has attended one of your schools. That the access that you make available leads to success. I am extremely grateful for this high honor, and for this high honor for my alma mater.”
After graduating cum laude in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Roberts began career in reporting as a sports reporter and anchor for WGA-TV in Atlanta. From 1999 to 2005, Roberts worked as a contributor for ESPN, where she hosted “SportsCenter” and contributed to “NFL PrimeTime.” At the same time, Roberts was also contributing to the morning programs of “Good Morning America” and became co-anchor that May of 2005. Under her leadership, the broadcast has received three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program. During her time at Southeastern, Roberts excelled on the basketball court, where she ended her career 5th all-time leading scorer and 6th all-time rebounder with 1,446 points and 1,034 rebounds. During her last season as a senior, she averaged 15.2 points per game.
In 2007, Roberts published her semi-biographical book “7 Rules to Live By,” in which she relates to her past experiences and seeks to educate others to succeed in life. In 2008, the book was reprinted to include a chapter detailing Roberts’ struggle against breast cancer. This version is available for purchase in the university bookstore.