One of Southeastern’s accomplished alums, Robin Roberts, co-host of “Good Morning America,” is no stranger to awards and award ceremonies. But, on Feb. 5, she will be honored not only for her successful career in front of the camera, but her outstanding collegiate career on the hardwood as well. Roberts will become only the second women’s basketball player to have her jersey retired by Southeastern, the first being Queen Brumfield in 1998. Roberts, who played all four years at Southeastern, ranks third among all-time leading scorers with 1,446 points, and rebounds, with 1,034. But what she did on the court could only rival what she did in the classroom.
“She was the kind of student you’d like all your students to be,” said Dr. Win Welford, former dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “She always sat in the front, and had a good disposition. I tried not to mess her up too much. But there was no doubt she was going to be successful.”
The news of the retiring jersey has garnered much attention throughout the campus and surrounding community.
“We welcome the opportunity to recognize Robin Roberts, who has served as such a great ambassador for Southeastern,” stated university President John L. Crain, in a Jan. 20 Athletics Media Relations press release. “Her personal and professional achievements make her a true role model for young women everywhere and an inspiration to us all. We are proud to welcome her back to Southeastern and honor her with the retirement of her Lady Lion jersey.”
Roberts, who graduated in 1983, did so with the title cum laude with a degree in communication. According to the press release, Roberts launched her career while still attending Southeastern, by serving as the sports director at WHMD/WFPR radio in Hammond. In 1982, she would serve as the special assignments sports reporter for KSLU-FM, Southeastern’s public radio station. From there, Roberts held various minor jobs around the Southeast region of the country, before catching on with ESPN in 1990. After parting ways with ESPN in 2005, Roberts found work on the set of Good Morning America.
“Robin Roberts is a great example of what someone can do who is talented and has a great work ethic and really goes after what her passion is,” said Dr. Cheryl Settoon, communication professor. “She has really been a wonderful example for male and female students.”
The retirement ceremony will take place before the 3 p.m. start of the Lady Lions match against Southland Conference rival Sam Houston State, which will also serve as the 2010-2011 Women’s Basketball Alumni Day, in the University Center. During halftime, Southeastern will honor Roberts and all other alumnae in attendance. To order tickets to the game, or find more information on the Southeastern Women’s Basketball Alumni Day, contact Southeastern Athletics at 985-549-2395.