Jen Psaki, who served in two White House administrations, including as President Joe Biden’s press secretary and now hosts her own show on MSNBC, will deliver the 2024 commencement address on the National Mall on May 19 .
Psaki will also receive an honorary doctorate in public service.
Psaki, the host of MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” was the 34thth press secretary from January 20, 2021 to May 13, 2022. In this position, she received praise from the Associated Press as a communicator who “dipped deep into politics, seeking understanding that went far beyond the topics of discussion “. Vogue magazine celebrated her for bringing “a blend of warmth, humor, intelligence and edge” to the role of press secretary.
Psaki was a longtime adviser to President Barack Obama and a roving press secretary during his first White House campaign. She served the Obama administration as White House communications director from 2015 to 2017, as well as deputy communications director from 2009 to 2011 and deputy press secretary in 2009. Psaki also served from 2013 to 2015 as the face audience of the Obama administration on the world stage. during his tenure as State Department spokesperson, traveling around the world with Secretary of State John Kerry. Prior to her role as White House press secretary, Psaki spent 2017 until her 2020 appointment in the Biden administration as a political commentator at CNN.
“Inside with Jen Psaki” airs Sunday at noon and Monday at 8 p.m. on MSNBC. She also appears on all of MSNBC’s flagship programs, providing the perspective of her first-hand experience at the highest levels of government. Psaki is a leading voice in the network’s prime-time coverage of major political events and is a regular contributor to NBC News, “Meet the Press” and election night programs.
Psaki also writes a regular column for the cable network’s morning newscast, MSNBC Daily, and contributes to all MSNBC platforms across audio and social media. His new book, “Say More: Lessons from the Job, the White House and the World,” is scheduled to be released May 7. In the book, Psaki shares the lessons she learned on her path that led her to the White House. and beyond and offers unique yet universal advice on how to be a more effective communicator in any situation.
“As a respected political commentator, former White House press secretary, and champion of truth and ethical public service, Jen Psaki will undoubtedly be an inspiration to our students,” said President Ellen M. Granberg. “I am honored that Ms. Psaki will deliver the keynote address at Commencement and share her wisdom with this next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
A native of Greenwich, Connecticut, Psaki holds a dual bachelor’s degree in English and sociology from the College of William & Mary.
She joins the ranks of previous GW Commencement speakers, including former First Lady Michelle Obama; Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); the leader, defender of humanitarian and human rights José Andrés; Savannah Guthrie, NBC News anchor; and actor, director and producer Kerry Washington, B.A. ’98. She succeeds Bryan Stevenson, renowned social justice advocate and civil rights attorney, who delivered GW’s 2023 commencement address. These speakers added to a long line of GW Commencement guests stretching back to the first graduation ceremony in 1824, which honored the Marquis de Lafayette and Henry Clay.
“I am honored to be invited to join the Class of 2024 in celebrating their many accomplishments and time spent at this historic institution,” Psaki said. “I look forward to joining graduates and their loved ones as they enter the next chapter of their lives.” »
Visit GW Launch Website for more information on the program and events of the week.
